Connect by Bluetooth

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:

⚡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.

Cronus Zen USB Port/Button Labels
Cronus Zen USB Port/Button Labels

🎧 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.

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🎮 XBOX (BLUETOOTH)

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 .

  1. Connect the CRONUS ZEN to a PC from PROG (mini-USB).
  2. Open ZEN STUDIO > Device Panel > Emulator Output Protocol set to AUTO.
  3. Make sure that PS4 Speciality and PS Remote Play are NOT enabled. NOTE: Unplug all USB cables from Zen (no power).
  4. Connect the CRONUS ZEN to a XBOX SERIES X/S CONSOLE using CONSOLE/PC (micro-USB). NOTE: If using a PS4 PRO, Zen must connect to the REAR USB PORT.
  5. Connect an XBOX SERIES X/S controller to A1(license donor).
  6. Press Zen's Bluetooth pairing button P2 until the RGBs flash BLUE.
  7. 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.
If successful, the Zen RGBs will change to solid GREEN, the XBOX controller will vibrate, and the XBOX LED will stop flashing and change to solid WHITE, indicating that Zen, controller and console are now correctly paired. If not? make sure the controllers are both powered on by pressing the XBOX buttons, then press Zen's reset button a couple of times and that should re-sync everything.

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.

👎 XBOX BLUETOOTH MEH

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).

Xbox One 1708 (4.8.1908.0 Reverted)
Xbox One 1708 (4.8.1908.0 Reverted)
Xbox Elite S2 1797 (4.8.1908.0 Reverted)
Xbox Elite S2 1797 (4.8.1908.0 Reverted)

🎮 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.

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Setup Hardware: Xbox Series X/S console, DUALSENSE and DUALSHOCK 4 controllers (fully charged🔋), Zen Studio and Zen Firmware

  1. Connect CRONUS ZEN to PC using PROG (mini-USB)
  2. Open ZEN STUDIO > Device Panel > Emulator Output Protocol set to AUTO.
  3. Make sure that PS4 Speciality and PS Remote Play are NOT enabled. NOTE: Unplug all USB cables from Zen (no power).
  4. Connect CRONUS ZEN to the XBOX SERIES X/S CONSOLE using CONSOLE/PC (micro-USB).
  5. Connect an XBOX SERIES X/S controller to A1(license donor).
  6. Press Zen's Bluetooth pairing button P2 until the RGBs flash BLUE
  7. DUALSENSE: HOLD CREATE+PS buttons until the controller touchpad flashes WHITE.
  8. DUALSHOCK 4: HOLD SHARE+PS buttons until the controller lightbar flashes WHITE.
If successful, the Zen RGBs and DUALSHOCK 4 lightbar will change to solid GREEN, and the DUALSENSE touchpad changes to BLUE, indicating that Zen, controller and console are now correctly paired. If not? make sure the controllers are both powered on by pressing the PS and XBOX buttons, then press Zen's reset button a couple of times and that should re-sync everything.

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 Series X/S console, SWITCH WIRELESS PRO controller (fully charged🔋), Zen Studio and Zen Firmware .

Document image
  1. Connect CRONUS ZEN to a PC from PROG (mini-USB).
  2. Open ZEN STUDIO > Device Panel > Emulator Output Protocol set to AUTO.
  3. Make sure that PS4 Speciality and PS Remote Play are NOT enabled. NOTE: Unplug all USB cables from Zen (no power).
  4. Connect the CRONUS ZEN to an XBOX SERIES X/S CONSOLE using CONSOLE/PC (micro-USB).
  5. Connect an XBOX SERIES X/S controller to A1(license donor).
  6. Press Zen's Bluetooth pairing button P2 until the RGBs flash BLUE.
  7. Hold the SWITCH WIRELESS PRO sync button until the player 1-4 LEDs flash GREEN.
If successful, the Zen RGBs will change to solid GREEN, and the Switch Wireless Pro Player 1 LED will light up GREEN, indicating that Zen, controller and console are now correctly paired. If not? make sure the controllers are both powered on by pressing the XBOX and HOME buttons, then press Zen's reset button a couple of times and that should re-sync everything.

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 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).

☢️ 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....

  1. You connect the controller to a console directly by USB
  2. You connect the controller to a Windows PC directly by USB
  3. You pair the controller via Wireless adapter to any other device
  4. You connect the controller to A1 then connect Zen to a console
  5. You perform a factory reset in Zen Studio

For more detailed help, check out the extensive TROUBLESHOOTING 👈 guide.



Updated 28 Jun 2022
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