Connect by USB
Connect your favorite supported PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo controllers to a Cronus Zen (w/ USB Cable) and a PlayStation 5, using the PS4 SPECIALITY method.
⚡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.
Playing PS5 games requires just 2 methods. PS4 SPECIALITY or PS REMOTE PLAY. There is no third method, it's one or the other. Play a game without its correct method and your controller will disconnect every 8-10 minutes, disconnect straight away, or not boot the game at all.
If when booting a PS5 game and you get an error like the one below, PS4 SPECIALITY will not work with that game, so you will need to use the PS REMOTE PLAY method instead.
Note: Most if not all PS4 games will work with the PS4 SPECIALITY method.
👉 This page includes the following (USB) Controller to PlayStation 5 guides:
- PS5 SETUP CHECKLIST
- PS5 DUALSENSE to PS5
- PS4 DUALSHOCK to PS5
- XBOX SERIES X/S to PS5
- XBOX ELITE S2 to PS5
- TIPS & TRICKS
🎧 HEADSET AUDIO
While Zen supports most wired headsets connecting to the controller, you should know that audio is heavy on the CPU. This isn't a problem if you do not use GamePacks or scripts, but if you are, audio may affect its performance by causing the controller to disconnect or introduce lag. It is highly recommended that if you are using powerful MODs, switch to a wireless headset or any headset that connects directly to the console and not the controller.
See the Wired Headset Users page for more detailed information.
Please read this important checklist before setting up your PS5:
- Check the game is compatible with PS4 SPECIALITY (No Controller Error = Compatible)
- No PlayStation controllers paired to the PS5 (delete them from Bluetooth Accessories)
- Do not have any scripts or GamePacks enabled while setting up your controller
- Be sure to apply the PS5 Settings below (or risk your controller disconnecting) 👇
Settings > System > Power Saving > Set Time Until Controllers Turn Off > Don't Turn Off Settings > System > Power Saving > Features Available in Rest Mode > Supply Power to USB ports > Always Settings > Accessories > Controllers > Communication > Use USB Cable
Setup Hardware: PlayStation 5 console, DUALSENSE controller, Zen Studio and Zen Firmware . We will be using a NACON as the PS4 SPECIALITY license donor, however you can use any of the compatible License Donor Controllers, or the Cronus Zen PS5 Dongle (no longer manufactured).
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 > Select "Enable PS4 Speciality"
- Wait for the Zen to restart, then check PS4 SPECIALITY is enabled (unplug and reconnect all USB cables from the Zen if it doesn't detect in Zen Studio after the restart).
- Next, unplug all cables from the Zen (no power), then connect the CRONUS ZEN to a PS5 CONSOLE from the CONSOLE/PC USB Port (micro-USB).
- Connect a DUALSENSE controller to A3 and press the PS button to power it on.
AUDIO: It is recommended that you use a wireless headset, or one that connects directly to the console and not the controller. For more details see the Wired Headset Users page.
Setup Hardware: PlayStation 5 console, DUALSHOCK 4 v2 controller, Zen Studio and Zen Firmware . We will be using a NACON as the PS4 SPECIALITY license donor, however you can use any of the compatible License Donor Controllers, or the Cronus Zen PS5 Dongle (no longer manufactured).
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 > Select "Enable PS4 Speciality"
- Wait for the Zen to restart, then check PS4 SPECIALITY is enabled (unplug and reconnect all USB cables from the Zen if it doesn't detect in Zen Studio after the restart).
- Next, unplug all cables from the Zen (no power), then connect the CRONUS ZEN to a PS5 CONSOLE from CONSOLE/PC (micro-USB).
- Connect a DUALSHOCK 4 v2 controller to A3 (or A1 if using a wired headset) and press the PS button to power it on.
AUDIO: It is recommended that you use a wireless headset, or one that connects directly to the console and not the controller. For more details see the Wired Headset Users page
Setup Hardware: PlayStation 5 console, XBOX SERIES X/S and XBOX ELITE S2 controllers, Zen Studio and Zen Firmware . We will be using a NACON as the PS4 SPECIALITY license donor, however you can use any of the compatible License Donor Controllers, or the Cronus Zen PS5 Dongle (no longer manufactured).
IMPORTANT: Make sure your Xbox controller is fully charged/fresh batteries, 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 > Select "Enable PS4 Speciality"
- Wait for the Zen to restart, then check PS4 SPECIALITY is enabled (unplug and reconnect all USB cables from the Zen if it doesn't detect in Zen Studio after the restart).
- Next, unplug all cables from the Zen (no power), then connect the CRONUS ZEN to a PS5 CONSOLE from CONSOLE/PC (micro-USB).
- Connect the XBOX controller to A3 and press the XBOX button to power it on.
AUDIO: It is recommended that you use a wireless headset, or one that connects directly to the console and not the controller. For more details see the Wired Headset Users page
🕹️CROSSOVER BUTTON MAPPING
All Community GamePacks include built in Auto-Crossover functionality, so you still have access to PS5 only features such as Touchpad, even when using an Xbox or other non-PlayStation controller. See the PlayStation Crossover GamePack for more details 👍
These are the major Xbox controller models that have been tested working with a PS5 and the Cronus Zen. The Windows Xbox Accessories App detects all versions and can be used to test vibration and buttons.
Setting up an MK with a PS5 is pretty much the same as controllers. First setup your Keyboard (on its own), then your Mouse (on its own), then make sure they both work together. Now you can setup for PS4 SPECIALITY as you would a controller, except the MK connects to both A2 and A3 (or just A3 if using the Cronus MK Switch). Enable PS4 SPECIALITY in Zen Studio and you're good to go.
Full instructions for Mouse & Keyboard can be found here > M&K Introduction
💡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 PS5 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 controller buttons are not 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:
- PS4 Speciality is not enabled.
- The HORI is not connected to A1.
- The controller connected to A1 does not work as a donor (e.g., DS4 v1).
- The PlayStation controller is paired to the console by Bluetooth.
For more detailed help, check out the extensive TROUBLESHOOTING 👈 guide.