Connect by USB
Connect your favorite supported Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo controller to a Cronus Zen (w/ USB Cable) and a Windows PC.
👉 This page includes the following (USB) Controller to Windows PC guides:
👉 Other useful guides related to PC gaming:
⚡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 PC's sound card and not the controller.
See the Wired Headset Users page for more detailed information.
Setup Hardware: Windows 11 PC, XBOX SERIES X/S, XBOX ELITE S2 and XBOX ONE controllers, Zen Studio and Zen Firmware .
- Connect the CRONUS ZEN to a PC from both PROG (mini-USB) and CONSOLE/PC (micro-USB).
- Open ZEN STUDIO > Device Panel > Emulator Output Protocol set to AUTO.
- Make sure that PS4 Speciality and PS Remote Play are NOT enabled.
- Connect an XBOX controller to A1 and press the XBOX button to power it on.
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.
STEAM USERS: If you have Steam installed and running on your PC, the ELITE S2 XBOX button LED will change color to CYAN.
XBOX 360 CONTROLLER: If you are using an Xbox 360 wireless controller, you need to use the Xbox 360 Wireless Receiver (sold in our store 🛒) because the Play and Charge cable does not make the Xbox 360 controller wired. See the Xbox 360 Controllers page for more details.
These are the major Xbox controller models that have been tested working with a PC and the Cronus Zen. The Windows Xbox Accessories App detects all versions and can be used to test vibration and buttons.
Setup Hardware: Windows 11 PC, DUALSENSE and DUALSHOCK 4 v2 controllers, Zen Studio and Zen Firmware .
- Connect the CRONUS ZEN to a WINDOWS PC from both PROG (mini-USB) and CONSOLE/PC (micro-USB).
- Open ZEN STUDIO > Device Panel > Select "Enable 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 your preferred original PLAYSTATION controller to A1 and press the PS button to power it on.
AUDIO: If you wish to use a headset, connect it directly to the PC's sound card and not the controller (the DUALSENSE speaker is routed to your 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.
STEAM USERS: If you have Steam installed and running on your PC, the DUALSENSE touchpad and DUALSHOCK 4 lightbar will change color to CYAN.
Setup Hardware: Windows 11 PC, SWITCH WIRELESS PRO controller, Zen Studio and Zen Firmware .
- Connect the CRONUS ZEN to a WINDOWS PC from both PROG (mini-USB) and CONSOLE/PC (micro-USB).
- Open ZEN STUDIO > Device Panel > Emulator Output Protocol set to AUTO.
- Make sure that PS4 Speciality and PS Remote Play are NOT enabled.
- Connect a SWITCH WIRELESS PRO controller to A1.
- The controller is now recognized as an original Switch Pro (Hit gamepad-tester.com and see for yourself).
If you would like the SWITCH WIRELESS PRO controller to output as an original Sony DUALSHOCK 4, enable PS REMOTE PLAY and connect the controller to A3 for full DS4 Emulation 👍
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.
💡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 both the PROG (mini-USB) and CONSOLE/PC (micro-USB) cables from Zen to your PC, 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 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.
