Connect By Wireless Adapter
PlayStation & Nintendo controllers use Bluetooth for wireless connection, so a wireless adapter is not usually required. However, many Xbox controllers do support the Xbox Wireless Adapter (click here to buy 🛒) and some third-party PlayStation controllers such as the Astro C40 use a custom wireless adapter.
⚡IMPORTANT
DO NOT have any scripts or GamePacks enabled until you are happy with your controller's setup and performance (disabled = press the memory slot button until the Zen gearhead logo is on the OLED screen), and remember, if your controller ever disconnects, glitches or becomes unresponsive, simply tap Zen's reset button to resync.
👉 This page includes the following (Wireless Adapter) Controller to Nintendo Switch guides:
- XBOX SERIES X/S to SWITCH
- XBOX ELITE S2 to SWITCH
- XBOX 360 to SWITCH
- PS4 ASTRO C40 TR to SWITCH
- TIPS & TRICK
🎮 XBOX (WIRELESS ADAPTER)
Cronus Zen supports the Xbox Wireless Adapter with all Xbox controller models up to firmware version 5.15.3168.0. This adapter uses a proprietary version of Wi-Fi Direct called Xbox Wireless, which operates at faster speeds than Bluetooth, with lower latency.
If using a Switch TV Dock, make sure the 15v power supply is connected or the Zen will not power on. If you are using the Switch in Handheld mode, you'll also need an OTG USB-C adapter or cable, and a Switch (USB) controller is required as an A1 license donor for all crossover controller setups.
Early models of the Xbox and its accessories including the original Elite controller do not use Bluetooth. Instead, it uses a proprietary version of Wi-Fi Direct called Xbox Wireless, which operates at faster speeds than Bluetooth, with lower latency.
Setup Hardware: Nintendo Switch console (TV Dock), XBOX SERIES X/S, XBOX ELITE S2 and XBOX 360 controllers (fully charged🔋), Zen Studio and Zen Firmware .
IMPORTANT: Make sure your Xbox controller is fully charged/fresh batteries, or it will likely disconnect or not detect at all.
Make sure this option is enabled: System Settings > Controllers and Sensors > Pro Controller Wired Communication: On
- Connect the CRONUS ZEN to a PC from PROG (mini-USB).
- Open ZEN STUDIO > Device Panel > Emulator Output Protocol set to NINTENDO SWITCH.
- Make sure that PS4 Speciality and PS Remote Play are NOT enabled. NOTE: Unplug all USB cables from Zen (no power).
- Connect CRONUS ZEN to the SWITCH TV DOCK from CONSOLE/PC (micro-USB). NOTE: Handheld (No TV Dock) requires an OTG USB-C adapter
- Connect an XBOX WIRELESS ADAPTER to A3.
- Connect your preferred XBOX controller to A2 and press the XBOX button to power it on. Wait a few seconds, then unplug the XBOX controller from A2.
If you have an XBOX controller that does not pair to the wireless adapter, try connecting the adapter to a PC, then pair to the Xbox controller using the sync buttons as you would normally. Once it has paired correctly, visit gamepad-tester.com to test. Now connect the adapter to Zen's A3 and follow the steps above. Note: You may have to press the sync buttons again when connected to the Zen.
AUDIO: There is no Nintendo Switch wired headset support for the Xbox Wireless Adapter.
XBOX 360 CONTROLLER: If you are using an Xbox 360 wireless receiver (sold in our store 🛒), follow the instructions above and connect the wireless receiver to A3, then press the sync button on both the receiver and the Xbox 360 wireless controller and they should pair up in just a few seconds 👍
These are the major Xbox controller models that have been tested working with a Nintendo Switch, Xbox Wireless, and the Cronus Zen. The Windows Xbox Accessories App detects all versions and can be used to test vibration and buttons.
📶 XBOX WIRELESS ADAPTER HELP
If the controller disconnects from the Xbox Wireless adapter every 8 seconds, XBOX led blinks 3 times, connects to the adapter, then disconnects again 8 seconds later, the Xbox Wireless Adapter has probably developed a fault and needs to be replaced
There is also the possibility that your local wireless network is causing interference. Xbox controllers and wireless headsets both use the 2.4GHz and 5GHz ranges and there are literally thousands of articles on the internet about this issue.
We've put together an extensive report on Xbox Wireless Adapters along with the necessary fixes, workarounds, and general precautions to ensure disconnection free gaming. Click here to find out more.
🎮 ASTRO C40 (WIRELESS ADAPTER)
If using a Switch TV Dock, make sure the 15v power supply is connected or the Zen will not power on. If you are using the Switch in Handheld mode, you'll also need an OTG USB-C adapter or cable, and a Switch (USB) controller is required as an A1 license donor for all crossover controller setups.
The ASTRO C40 TR PS4 controller a WIRED / WIRELESS switch that works with a custom wireless adapter, supplied with the controller.
Setup Hardware: Nintendo Switch console, ASTRO C40 TR controller (fully charged🔋), Zen Studio , and Zen Firmware .
IMPORTANT: Make sure your Astro C40 controller is fully charged, or it will likely disconnect or not detect at all.
Make sure this option is enabled: System Settings > Controllers and Sensors > Pro Controller Wired Communication: On
- Connect the CRONUS ZEN to a PC from PROG (mini-USB).
- Open ZEN STUDIO > Device Panel > Emulator Output Protocol set to NINTENDO SWITCH.
- Make sure that PS4 Speciality and PS Remote Play are NOT enabled. NOTE: Unplug all USB cables from Zen (no power).
- Connect CRONUS ZEN to the SWITCH TV DOCK from CONSOLE/PC (micro-USB). NOTE: Handheld (No TV Dock) requires an OTG USB-C adapter
- Connect the ASTRO WIRELESS ADAPTER to A3 and press the controller's PS button to power it on.
AUDIO: The ASTRO C40 supports wired headsets when connected to the Switch by wireless adapter.
TIPS & TRICKS
💡PRO TIP
Connect a wired Keypad or Keyboard to A2 and use it alongside your controller for powerful GamePack MODs, Scripts, and Build/Edit Macros. This is REALLY popular with Fortnite, CoD & Apex Legends players who are slaying with the new 32bit Community Supported GamePacks 😉
🚦LIVE MONITORING
If you wish to monitor controller outputs in real-time with Zen Studio, connect the PROG (mini-USB) cable from Zen to PC, and keep the Zen connected to your Nintendo Switch with the CONSOLE/PC (micro-USB) cable. Open Zen Studio and make sure the Zen is detected, then go to the Device panel and select Tools > Device Monitor (Shortcut: F3).
☢️ TROUBLESHOOTING
If the Zen RGB LEDs do not light up, or if no controller buttons are responding, unplug all USB cables from the Zen, reconnect, then press Zen's reset button and that should fix it. Make sure the controllers are powered on.
If your controller disconnects:
- The controller connected to A1 does not work as a donor (e.g., DS4 v1).
- The USB cable from the controller to the Zen is bad.
- The USB port on the controller is damaged.
- The DUALSHOCK 4 is paired to the console by Bluetooth.
Also, the Wireless adapter pairing between Zen and your controller will be lost if....
- You connect the controller to a console directly by USB
- You connect the controller to a Windows PC directly by USB
- You pair the controller via Wireless adapter to any other device
- You connect the controller to A1 then connect Zen to a console
- You perform a factory reset in Zen Studio
For more detailed help, check out the extensive TROUBLESHOOTING 👈 guide.