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 (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 (USB) Controller to PlayStation 5 guides:
⚡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, 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.
Setup Hardware: PlayStation 5 console, DUALSENSE controller, 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(or A2 if using a wired headset).
- Connect a DUALSENSE controller to A3 and press the PS button to power it on.
AUDIO: You can connect a wired headset to the DUALSENSE controller, but the HORI Mini-Pad goes to A2 instead of A1. 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.
Setup Hardware: PlayStation 5 console, DUALSHOCK 4 v2 controller, 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(or A2 if using a wired headset).
- 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: You can connect a wired headset to the DUALSHOCK 4 v2 controller, the HORI goes to A2 and the DS4 v2 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
Setup Hardware: PlayStation 5 console, XBOX SERIES X/S and XBOX ELITE S2 controllers, 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 (or A2 if using a wired headset).
- Connect the XBOX controller to A3 and press the XBOX button to power it on.
AUDIO: You can connect a wired headset to the XBOX controller, but the HORI Mini-Pad goes to A2 instead of A1. 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
🕹️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.
💡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 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:
- The HORI may be faulty
- Any other third-party donor controller you are using is not compatible
- The CONSOLE/PC micro-USB cable may be bad or loose.
- 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.
