Connect by Bluetooth
Connect your favorite supported Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo controllers to a Cronus Zen (w/ Bluetooth) and an Xbox One.
⚡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.
👉 This page includes the following (Bluetooth) Controller to Xbox One guides:
- XBOX ONE to ONE
XBOX SERIES X/S to XBOX ONE(No Bluetooth)- XBOX ELITE V2 to XBOX ONE
XBOX 360 to XBOX ONE(No Bluetooth)- PS5 DUALSENSE to XBOX ONE
- PS4 DUALSHOCK 4 to XBOX ONE
- SWITCH WIRELESS PRO to XBOX ONE
- TIPS & TRICKS
🎧 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.
CLEAR BLUETOOTH CACHE
Before you pair any controller to the Zen using Bluetooth, we recommend that you clear the Bluetooth pairing cache first. Open Zen Studio and go to Device Panel > click the Clear BT Devices button. You'll then get a confirmation pop-up; click Yes.
🎮 XBOX (BLUETOOTH)
Xbox One controllers upgraded to firmware 5.13.3143.0 and above do not support Bluetooth.
If you want to keep Bluetooth support, DO NOT update the controller's firmware past 4.8.1923.0, or if you have already updated, Don't Panic! you may be able to Revert the Xbox Controller Firmware back to a previous version using an Xbox console.
The chart below shows which Xbox controllers support Bluetooth (highlighted in GREEN). Note: every version still supports the preferred Xbox Wireless protocol 👌
Controller Model | Firmware | Bluetooth? | Revert? |
Xbox One 1537 | 2.3.2381.0 | NO | YES |
Xbox Elite v1 1698 | 2.3.2388.0 | NO | YES |
Xbox One 1708 | 3.1.1221.0 (Reverted) | YES | YES |
Xbox One 1708 | 4.8.1908.0 (Reverted) | YES | YES |
Xbox One 1708 | 4.8.1923.0 | YES | YES |
Xbox One 1708 | 5.13.3143.0 | NO | YES |
Xbox Elite S2 | 4.8.1908.0 (Reverted) | YES | YES |
Xbox Elite S2 | 5.13.3143.0 | NO | YES |
Xbox Elite S2 | 5.13.3146.0 | NO | NO |
Xbox Series X/S 1914 | 5.13.3143.0 | NO | NO |
Xbox Series X/S 1914 | 5.13.3146.0 | NO | NO |
Setup Hardware: Xbox One console, 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 PROG (mini-USB).
- Open ZEN STUDIO > Device Panel > Emulator Output Protocol set to AUTO.
- Make sure that PS4 Speciality and PS Remote Play are NOT enabled. NOTE: Unplug all USB cables from Zen (no power).
- Connect the CRONUS ZEN to an XBOX ONE CONSOLE using CONSOLE/PC (micro-USB).
- Connect an XBOX ONE controller to A1(license donor).
- Press Zen's Bluetooth pairing button P2 until the RGBs flash BLUE.
- Press the XBOX buttons to power on both controllers, then hold the XBOX sync button of the controller you are gaming with (not the A1 donor) until the XBOX LED flashes WHITE.
AUDIO: XBOX controllers do not support audio over Bluetooth but connecting a headset to the A1 XBOX donor controller may work with some models. However, it is recommended that you use a wireless headset, or one that pairs directly to the console and not the controller. For more details see the Wired Headset Users page.
Word of warning, Xbox Bluetooth can sometimes take several attempts before it pairs, usually 10-30 seconds. If you want a smoother wireless experience, with 5 GHz Wi-Fi Direct technology, we highly recommend using the Xbox Wireless Adapter.
These are the Xbox controller models that have been tested working with a PS4, Bluetooth, and the Cronus Zen. The Windows Xbox Accessories App detects all versions and can be used to test vibration and buttons. (Remember, if you update your Xbox One 1708 or Elite S2 to 5.13.3143.0, Bluetooth will no longer work).
🎮 PLAYSTATION (BLUETOOTH)
Pairing a PlayStation controller to the Zen using Bluetooth is really easy. These steps not only cover the DualSense and DualShock 4, but also several third-party controllers including Scuf Infinity4PS Pro (both v1 and v2), Scuf Impact, Scuf Vantage, and Scuf Vantage 2.
Setup Hardware: Xbox One console, DUALSENSE and DUALSHOCK 4 controllers (fully charged🔋), XBOX One or XBOX Series X/S controller, Zen Studio and Zen Firmware .
IMPORTANT: Make sure your PlayStation controller is fully charged, or it will likely disconnect or not detect at all.
- Connect CRONUS ZEN to PC using PROG (mini-USB)
- Open ZEN STUDIO > Device Panel > Emulator Output Protocol set to AUTO.
- Make sure that PS4 Speciality and PS Remote Play are NOT enabled. NOTE: Unplug all USB cables from Zen (no power).
- Connect CRONUS ZEN to the XBOX ONE CONSOLE using CONSOLE/PC (micro-USB).
- Connect an XBOX ONE controller to A1(license donor).
- Press Zen's Bluetooth pairing button P2 until the RGBs flash BLUE.
- DUALSENSE: HOLD CREATE+PS buttons until the controller touchpad flashes WHITE.
- DUALSHOCK 4: HOLD SHARE+PS buttons until the controller lightbar flashes WHITE.
AUDIO: You can connect a wired headset to the PlayStation controller, and if that doesn't work, try connecting a headset to the A1 XBOX donor controller which may work with some models. However, it is recommended that you use a wireless headset, or one that pairs directly to the console and not the controller. For more details see the Wired Headset Users page.
🎮 SWITCH WIRELESS PRO (BLUETOOTH)
Setup Hardware: Xbox One console, SWITCH WIRELESS PRO controller (fully charged🔋), XBOX One or XBOX Series X/S 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.
- Connect CRONUS ZEN to a PC from PROG (mini-USB).
- Open ZEN STUDIO > Device Panel > Emulator Output Protocol set to AUTO.
- Make sure that PS4 Speciality and PS Remote Play are NOT enabled. NOTE: Unplug all USB cables from Zen (no power).
- Connect the CRONUS ZEN to an XBOX ONE CONSOLE using CONSOLE/PC (micro-USB).
- Connect an XBOX ONE controller to A1(license donor).
- Press Zen's Bluetooth pairing button P2 until the RGBs flash BLUE.
- Hold the SWITCH WIRELESS PRO sync button until the player 1-4 LEDs flash GREEN.
AUDIO: The SWITCH WIRELESS PRO does not support audio over Bluetooth but connecting a headset to the A1 XBOX donor controller may work with some models. However, it is recommended that you use a wireless headset, or one that pairs directly to the console and not the controller. For more details see the Wired Headset Users page.
TIPS & TRICKS
💡 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 Xbox One 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 Zen RGB LEDs do not light up, or if no controller buttons are 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 controller connected to A1 does not work as a donor (e.g., DS4 v1).
- The USB cable from the controller to the Zen is bad.
- The USB port on the controller is damaged.
Also, the Bluetooth 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.