Connect by Wireless Adapter
PlayStation & Nintendo controllers use Bluetooth for wireless connection, so a wireless adapter is not usually required. However, many Xbox controllers do support the Xbox Wireless Adapter (click here to buy 🛒) and some third-party PlayStation controllers such as the Astro C40 use a custom wireless adapter.
⚡IMPORTANT
DO NOT have any scripts or GamePacks enabled until you are happy with your controller's setup and performance (disabled = press the memory slot button until the Zen gearhead logo is on the OLED screen), 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 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 to Windows PC guides:
- XBOX SERIES X/S to PC
- XBOX ELITE V2 to PC
- XBOX ONE to PC
- XBOX 360 to PC
- PS4 ASTRO C40 to PC
- TIPS & TRICKS to PC
👉 Other useful guides related to PC gaming:
- Supported Windows Versions
- Supported Input Devices
- Steam Support
- PC Headset Audio Support
Cronus Zen supports the Xbox Wireless Adapter with all Xbox controller models up to firmware version 5.15.3168.0. This adapter uses a proprietary version of Wi-Fi Direct called Xbox Wireless, which operates at faster speeds than Bluetooth, with lower latency.
Early models of the Xbox and its accessories including the original Elite controller do not use Bluetooth. Instead, it uses a proprietary version of Wi-Fi Direct called Xbox Wireless, which operates at faster speeds than Bluetooth, with lower latency.
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.
- IMPORTANT: Close Zen Studio and unplug the PROG (mini-USB) cable from the Zen.
- 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.
If you have an XBOX controller that does not pair to the wireless adapter, try connecting the adapter to a PC, then pair to the Xbox controller using the sync buttons as you would normally. Once it has paired correctly, visit gamepad-tester.com to test. Now connect the adapter to Zen's A3 and follow the steps above. Note: You may have to press the sync buttons again when connected to 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.
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 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 👍
These are the major Xbox controller models that have been tested working with a PS4, Xbox Wireless, and the Cronus Zen. The Windows Xbox Accessories App detects all versions and can be used to test vibration and buttons.
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
- IMPORTANT: Close Zen Studio and unplug the PROG (mini-USB) cable from the Zen.
- Connect the ASTRO WIRELESS ADAPTER to A1 and press the controller's 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. 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 😉
☢️ 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.
Also, the Wireless adapter 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.
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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.