Connect by Bluetooth
Connect your favorite supported PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo controllers to a Cronus Zen (w/ Bluetooth) and a PlayStation 5, using the PS4 SPECIALITY method (HORI Mini-Pad).
👉 Before you get started, review the PS4 SPECIALITY CHECKLIST and apply the PS5 CONSOLE SETTINGS (see below).
Please read this important PS4 SPECIALITY CHECKLIST before setting up your PS5:
- Not using a HORI Mini-Pad? Use a compatible third-party licensed PS4 controller instead.
- Check the game is compatible with PS4 SPECIALITY Click here for the latest list 👈
- Download ASTRO's Playroom. It's free and great for testing all DUALSENSE controller functions.
- Do not have any PlayStation controllers paired by Bluetooth to your PS5 (delete them).
- There may be no DUALSENSE Adaptive Trigger or rumble support in many PS5 games.
- Do not have any scripts or GamePacks enabled while setting up your controller.
- Be sure to apply the PS5 Settings (click the tab above).
👉 This page includes the following (Bluetooth) Controller to PlayStation 5 guides:
- PS5 DUALSENSE to PS5
- PS4 DUALSHOCK 4 to PS5
XBOX SERIES X/S to PS5(No Bluetooth)- XBOX ELITE S2 to PS5
- XBOX ONE to PS5
XBOX 360 to PS5(No Bluetooth)- TIPS & TRICKS
⚡IMPORTANT
DO NOT run any scripts or GamePacks until you are happy with your controller's setup and performance - and remember, if your controller ever disconnects, glitches or becomes unresponsive, simply tap Zen's reset button to resync.
🎧 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.
Before you pair any controller to the Zen using Bluetooth, we recommend that you clear the Bluetooth pairing cache first. Open Zen Studio and go to Device Panel > click the Clear BT Devices button. You'll then get a confirmation pop-up; click Yes.
Setup Hardware: PlayStation 5 console, DUALSENSE controller (fully charged🔋), Zen Studio and Zen Firmware .
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 HORI MINI-PAD to A1.
- Press Zen's Bluetooth pairing button P2 until the RGBs flash BLUE.
- Hold the DUALSENSE CREATE+PS buttons until the touchpad flashes WHITE.
AUDIO: The DUALSENSE does not support audio over Bluetooth in PS4 SPECIALITY mode. 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.
These steps not only cover the DUALSHOCK 4, but also several third-party controllers including Scuf Infinity4PS Pro (both v1 and v2), Scuf Impact, Scuf Vantage and Scuf Vantage 2.
Setup Hardware: PlayStation 5 console, DUALSHOCK 4 v2 controller (fully charged🔋), Zen Studio and Zen Firmware .
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 HORI MINI-PAD to A3.
- Press Zen's Bluetooth pairing button P2 until the RGBs flash BLUE.
- Hold the DUALSHOCK 4 SHARE+PS buttons until the touchpad flashes WHITE.
AUDIO: The DUALSHOCK 4 does not support audio over Bluetooth in PS4 SPECIALITY mode. 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 Series X/S controllers do not support Bluetooth, and Xbox One controllers upgraded to firmware 5.13.3143.0 also do not support Bluetooth.
If you want to keep Bluetooth support, DO NOT update the controller's firmware past 4.8.1923.0, or if you have already updated, Don't Panic! you can Revert Xbox Firmware back to a previous version using an Xbox console.
The chart below shows which Xbox controllers support Bluetooth (highlighted in GREEN). Note: every version still supports the preferred Xbox Wireless protocol 👌
Controller Model | Firmware | Bluetooth? | Revert? |
Xbox 360 Wireless | N/A | NO | N/A |
Xbox One 1537 | 2.3.2381.0 | NO | YES |
Xbox Elite v1 1698 | 2.3.2388.0 | NO | YES |
Xbox One 1708 | 3.1.1221.0 (Reverted) | YES | YES |
Xbox One 1708 | 4.8.1908.0 (Reverted) | YES | YES |
Xbox One 1708 | 4.8.1923.0 | YES | YES |
Xbox One 1708 | 5.13.3143.0 | NO | YES |
Xbox Elite S2 | 4.8.1908.0 (Reverted) | YES | YES |
Xbox Elite S2 | 5.13.3143.0 | NO | YES |
Xbox Series X/S 1914 | Out of the Box | NO | NO |
Xbox Series X/S 1914 | 5.13.3143.0 | NO | NO |
Xbox Series X/S 1914 | 5.13.3146.0 | NO | NO |
Setup Hardware: PlayStation 5 console, XBOX ELITE S2 and XBOX ONE controllers (fully charged🔋), Zen Studio and Zen Firmware .
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 PS5 DONGLE to A3.
- Press Zen's Bluetooth pairing button P2 until the RGBs flash BLUE.
- Press the XBOX button to power on the controller, then hold the sync button until the XBOX LED flashes WHITE.
AUDIO: XBOX controllers do not support audio over Bluetooth. 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 PS4 only features such as Touchpad, even when using an Xbox or other non-PlayStation controller. See the PlayStation Crossover GamePack for more details 👍
👎 XBOX BLUETOOTH MEH
Word of warning, Xbox Bluetooth can sometimes take several attempts before it pairs, usually 10-30 seconds. If you want a smoother wireless experience, with 5 GHz Wi-Fi Direct technology, we highly recommend using the Xbox Wireless Adapter.
These are the Xbox controller models that have been tested working with a PS5, Bluetooth, and the Cronus Zen. The Windows Xbox Accessories App detects all versions and can be used to test vibration and buttons. (Remember, if you update your Xbox One 1708 or Elite S2 to 5.13.3143.0, Bluetooth will no longer work).
💡PRO TIP
Connect a wired Keypad or Keyboard to A2 or A3 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:
- The HORI may be faulty.
- Any other third-party donor controller you are using is not compatible.
- 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 Bluetooth 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.
