Connect your favorite supported Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo controllers to a Cronus Zen (w/ Bluetooth) and an Xbox Series X/S.
👉 This page includes the following (Bluetooth) Controller to Xbox Series X/S guides:
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.
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.
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 Series X/S controllers do not support Bluetooth, and Xbox One controllers upgraded to firmware 5.13.3146.0 also 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 can Revert Xbox 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 360 Wireless | N/A | NO | N/A |
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 Series X/S 1914 | Out of the Box | 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 Series X/S console, XBOX ELITE S2 and XBOX ONE controllers (fully charged🔋), Zen Studio and Zen Firmware .
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).
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 Series X/S console, DUALSENSE and DUALSHOCK 4 controllers (fully charged🔋), Zen Studio and Zen Firmware
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.
Setup Hardware: Xbox Series X/S console, SWITCH WIRELESS PRO controller (fully charged🔋), Zen Studio and Zen Firmware .
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.
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 😉
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 Series X/S 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).
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:
Also, the Bluetooth pairing between Zen and your controller will be lost if....
For more detailed help, check out the extensive TROUBLESHOOTING 👈 guide.