Connect by USB
Connect your favorite supported PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo controllers to Cronus Zen and a PlayStation 3 with USB.
⚡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 (USB) Controller to PlayStation 3 guides:
- PS3 DUALSHOCK 3 to PS3
- PS5 DUALSENSE to PS3
- PS4 DUALSHOCK 3 to PS3
- XBOX SERIES X/S to PS3
- XBOX ELITE S2 to PS3
- XBOX ONE to PS3
- TIPS & TRICKS

🎮 DUALSHOCK 3 (USB)
Setup Hardware: PlayStation 3 console, DUALSHOCK 3 controller, Zen Studio and Zen Firmware .
IMPORTANT: Make sure your PlayStation controller is fully charged, or it will likely disconnect or not detect at all.
- Connect the CRONUS ZEN to a PC from PROG (mini-USB).
- Open ZEN STUDIO > Device Panel > Emulator Output Protocol set to PLAYSTATION 3.
- Make sure that PS4 Speciality and PS Remote Play are NOT enabled. NOTE: Unplug all USB cables from Zen (no power).
- Connect the CRONUS ZEN to a PS3 CONSOLE from CONSOLE/PC (micro-USB).
- Connect a DUALSHOCK 3 controller to A3 and press the PS button to power it on.
AUDIO: There is no headset support with the PlayStation 3.
🎮 PLAYSTATION (USB)
Setup Hardware: PlayStation 3 console, DUALSENSE, and DUALSHOCK 4 controllers, Zen Studio and Zen Firmware .
IMPORTANT: Make sure your PlayStation controller is fully charged, or it will likely disconnect or not detect at all.
- Connect the CRONUS ZEN to a PC from PROG (mini-USB).
- Open ZEN STUDIO > Device Panel > Emulator Output Protocol set to PLAYSTATION 3.
- Make sure that PS4 Speciality and PS Remote Play are NOT enabled. NOTE: Unplug all USB cables from Zen (no power).
- Connect the CRONUS ZEN to a PS3 CONSOLE from CONSOLE/PC (micro-USB).
- Connect your preferred PLAYSTATION controller to A3 and press the PS button to power it on.
AUDIO: There is no headset support with the PlayStation 3.
🎮 XBOX (USB)
Setup Hardware: PlayStation 3 console, XBOX SERIES X/S, XBOX ELITE S2 and XBOX ONE controllers, 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.
- Connect CRONUS ZEN to PC using PROG (mini-USB)
- Open ZEN STUDIO > Device Panel > Emulator Output Protocol set to PLAYSTATION 3.
- 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 PS3 CONSOLE using CONSOLE/PC (micro-USB)
- Connect your preferred XBOX controller to A3 and press the XBOX button to power it on.
AUDIO: There is no headset support with the PlayStation 3.
These are the major Xbox controller models that have been tested working with a PlayStation 3 and the Cronus Zen. The Windows Xbox Accessories App detects all versions and can be used to test vibration and buttons.






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 Battle Royale, CoD & Apex 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 PlayStation 3 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.
For more detailed help, check out the extensive TROUBLESHOOTING 👈 guide.