Connect by Wireless Adapter
Connect your favorite Xbox controllers with an Xbox Wireless Adapter, or a third-party licensed PS4 controller that uses a wireless adapter, such as the Astro C40, to a Cronus Zen and a PlayStation 5, using the PS4 SPECIALITY method (HORI Mini-Pad).
⚡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 (Wireless Adapter) Controller to PlayStation 5 guides:
- PS5 SETUP CHECKLIST
- XBOX SERIES X/S to PS5
- XBOX ELITE S2 to PS5
- XBOX 360 to PS5
- PS4 ASTRO C40 to PS5
- TIPS & TRICKS
🎧 HEADSET AUDIO
While Zen supports most wired headsets connecting to the controller when using a wireless adapter, 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
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.
Setup Hardware: PlayStation 5 console, XBOX SERIES X/S and XBOX ELITE S2 controllers (fully charged🔋), 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 third-party PS4 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 the PROG USB Port (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 an XBOX WIRELESS ADAPTER to A3.
- Connect the XBOX controller to A2 and press the XBOX buttons 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: 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.
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 👍
🕹️ 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, 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.
The ASTRO C40 TR PS4 controller a WIRED / WIRELESS switch that works with a custom wireless adapter, supplied with the controller.
Setup Hardware: PlayStation 4 console, ASTRO C40 TR controller (fully charged🔋), 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 Astro C40 controller is fully charged, or it will likely disconnect or not detect at all.
Connect the CRONUS ZEN to a PC from the PROG USB Port (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 ASTRO WIRELESS ADAPTER controller to A3 (or A1 if using a wired headset) and press the PS button to power it on.
AUDIO: You can connect a wired headset to the ASTRO C40 TR controller, the HORI goes to A2 instead of A1, and the ASTRO WIRELESS ADAPTER goes to A1 instead of A3. However, 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
💡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 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:
- 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. Sony DUALSHOCK 4).
- The PlayStation controller 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.