Connect by Wireless Adapter
✋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.
PlayStation & Nintendo controllers use Bluetooth for wireless connection, so a wireless adapter is not usually required. However, all Xbox controllers no longer support Bluetooth so must use an Xbox Wireless Adapter v2 (click here to buy 🛒). Some third-party PlayStation controllers such as the Astro C40 uses its own custom wireless adapter.
🎧 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 PC's sound card and not the controller.
See the Wired Headset Users page for more detailed information.
👉 This page includes the following (Wireless Adapter) Controller guides:
- XBOX SERIES X/S Controller
- XBOX ELITE V2 Controller
- XBOX ONE Controller
- PS4 ASTRO C40 Controller
- TIPS & TRICKS Controller
👉 Other useful guides related to PC gaming:
- Windows Versions
- Input Devices
- PC Headset Audio
🎮 XBOX (WIRELESS ADAPTER)
Cronus Zen supports the Xbox Wireless Adapter with all Xbox controllers. This adapter uses a proprietary version of Wi-Fi Direct called Xbox Wireless, which operates at faster speeds than Bluetooth, with lower latency. Xbox controllers currently have no Bluetooth support with Cronus Zen.
Setup Hardware: Windows 11 PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox Elite S2 and Xbox One controllers (fully charged🔋), 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.
- 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 WIRELESS ADAPTER to A3.
- Connect any XBOX controller to A2 and press the XBOX button to power it on. Wait a few seconds, then unplug the XBOX controller from A2.
- 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.
XBOX 360 CONTROLLER: If you are using an Xbox 360 wireless receiver (sold in our store 🛒), follow the instructions above, connect the receiver to A1, press the sync button on both the receiver and the Xbox 360 wireless controller and they should pair up in just a few seconds 👍
🎮 ASTRO C40 (WIRELESS ADAPTER)
The ASTRO C40 TR PS4 controller has a WIRED / WIRELESS switch that works with a custom wireless adapter, supplied with the controller. Zen is able to output to a PC as an original Sony DUALSHOCK 4, and all game icons will be PlayStation instead of Xbox.
Setup Hardware: Windows 11 PC, ASTRO C40 TR controller (fully charged🔋), Zen Studio , and Zen Firmware .
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 WINDOWS PC from both PROG (mini-USB) and CONSOLE/PC (micro-USB).
- Open ZEN STUDIO > Device Panel > enable PS REMOTE PLAY. Wait for Zen to restart. Make sure that PS Remote Play is enabled.
- Connect the ASTRO WIRELESS ADAPTER to A1 and press the controller's PS button to power it on.
- 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.
Trademark Disclaimer
CronusMAX® and Cronus Zen® are registered trademarks ©2013-2022 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.