Connect by USB
✋IMPORTANT
We would like to take this opportunity to remind our users that we are unable to provide official endorsement or guarantee for the use of our products with Windows® PC Games. Although we offer guidance on how to set up your controller or mouse & keyboard with the Zen Studio Windows® software, our development team focuses exclusively on consoles, such as the PS5®, Xbox® Series X|S, and the Nintendo® Switch. The reason for this is the numerous motherboard variables that can cause Zen to behave differently from PC to PC. As you can imagine, this presents a technical support nightmare.
For instance, for several months the AMD AGESA V2 bios was responsible for causing USB ports to disconnect randomly, which led to numerous support tickets and returned (non-faulty) Zen's. It took a considerable amount of time to discover that the root cause of the problem was the motherboard itself.
This is the kind of development issue that we strive to avoid since it is both costly and extremely time-consuming, taking valuable development hours away from our support of consoles 👉 Tom's Hardware
Moreover, some PC games have started to use detection techniques that can prevent the game from starting or result in account suspension when using third-party devices. We want to reassure console users that they do not need to be concerned as they are safe from this issue.
Finally, if you encounter USB port disconnection problems with your PC, we suggest updating your computer's motherboard to the latest BIOS version. Please note that this requires a certain level of expertise, so be sure to follow the instructions carefully.
🎧 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 PC's sound card and not the controller.
See the Wired Headset Users page for more detailed information.
👉 This page includes the following (USB) Controller guides:
- XBOX SERIES X/S Controller
- XBOX ELITE S2 Controller
- XBOX ONE Controller
- XBOX 360 Controller
- PS5 DUALSENSE Controller
- PS4 DUALSHOCK 4 Controller
- SWITCH WIRELESS PRO Controller
👉 Other useful guides:
- Windows Versions
- Input Devices
- PC Headset Audio
🎮 XBOX (USB)
Setup Hardware: Windows 11 PC, XBOX SERIES X/S, XBOX ELITE S2, XBOX ONE, and XBOX 360 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. Close all PC games while setting up your Zen.
- Connect the CRONUS ZEN to a WINDOWS PC from both PROG (mini-USB) and CONSOLE/PC (micro-USB).
- Open ZEN STUDIO > Device Panel > Select "PS Remote Play" Wait for the Zen to restart, then check PS Remote Play is enabled (unplug and reconnect all USB cables from the Zen if it doesn't detect in Zen Studio after the restart).
- Connect an XBOX controller to A3 and press the XBOX button to power it on.
- FINAL STEP: Close Zen Studio and unplug the PROG (mini-USB) cable from the Zen.
AUDIO: If you wish to use a headset, connect it directly to the PC's sound card and not the controller. If you don't have a headset and wish to use voice chat, you can also use a laptop's built-in microphone.
🎮 PLAYSTATION (USB)
Setup Hardware: Windows 11 PC, DUALSENSE and DUALSHOCK 4 v2 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. Close all PC games while setting up your Zen.
- Connect the CRONUS ZEN to a WINDOWS PC from both PROG (mini-USB) and CONSOLE/PC (micro-USB).
- Open ZEN STUDIO > Device Panel > Select "PS Remote Play"
- Wait for the Zen to restart, then check PS Remote Play is enabled (unplug and reconnect all USB cables from the Zen if it doesn't detect in Zen Studio after the restart).
- Connect DUALSENSE to A1 or DUALSHOCK 4 to A3 (Press the PS button to power on controller if necessary).
- FINAL STEP: Close Zen Studio and unplug the PROG (mini-USB) cable from the Zen.
AUDIO: If you wish to use a headset, connect it directly to the PC's sound card and not the controller (the DUALSENSE/DUALSHOCK v2 speaker is routed to the headset mic). If you don't have a headset and wish to use voice chat, you can also use a laptop's built-in microphone.
🎮 SWITCH WIRELESS PRO (USB)
Setup Hardware: Windows 11 PC, SWITCH WIRELESS PRO controller, Zen Studio , and Zen Firmware .
IMPORTANT: Make sure your Switch controller is fully charged, or it will likely disconnect or not detect at all. Close all PC games while setting up your Zen.
- Connect the CRONUS ZEN to a WINDOWS PC from both PROG (mini-USB) and CONSOLE/PC (micro-USB).
- Open ZEN STUDIO > Device Panel > Select "PS Remote Play" Wait for the Zen to restart, then check PS Remote Play is enabled (unplug and reconnect all USB cables from the Zen if it doesn't detect in Zen Studio after the restart).
- Connect a SWITCH WIRELESS PRO controller to A1.
- FINAL STEP: Close Zen Studio and unplug the PROG (mini-USB) cable from the Zen.
AUDIO: The Nintendo Wireless Pro controller does not have an audio port to connect a headset. If you wish to use a headset, connect it directly to the PC's sound card and not the controller. If you don't have a headset and wish to use voice chat, you can also use a laptop's built-in microphone.
Trademark Disclaimer
CronusMAX® and Cronus Zen® are registered trademarks Collective Minds Gaming Company, Inc.
Any product names, logos, brands, and other trademarks or images featured or referred to within this user guide, or any cronusmax.com website(s) are used for identification purposes only and are the property of their respective trademark holders. These trademark holders are not affiliated with Collective Minds, our products, or our websites. They do not sponsor or endorse Collective Minds or any of our products.
"Sony®", "PlayStation®", "PS5®", "PS4®", "PS3®", "DUALSENSE®", "DUALSHOCK®", and "PS REMOTE PLAY®" are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
"Xbox®", “Xbox Series X/S®”, "Xbox One®", "Xbox 360®", and "Xbox Wireless®" are registered trademarks of Microsoft Inc.
"Nintendo®", "Switch®", "Wii®", and "Wii U®" are registered trademarks of Nintendo Co., Ltd.