Connect by USB
Connect your favorite supported Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo controllers to a Cronus Zen (w/ USB Cable) and an Xbox Series X/S.
⚡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 (USB) Controller to Xbox Series X/S guides:
- XBOX SERIES X/S to XBOX SERIESX/S
- XBOX ELITE S2 to XBOX SERIES X/S
- XBOX ONE to XBOX SERIES X/S
- PS5 DUALSENSE to XBOX SERIESX/S
- PS4 DUALSHOCK 4 to XBOX SERIESX/S
- 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.

🎮 XBOX (USB)
Setup Hardware: Xbox Series X/S console, XBOX SERIES X/S, XBOX ELITE S2 and XBOX ONE controllers. 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 SERIES X/S CONSOLE from CONSOLE/PC (micro-USB).
- Connect the XBOX controller to A1 and press the XBOX button to power it on.
AUDIO: You can connect a wired headset to most XBOX controllers. However, it is recommended that you use a wireless headset, or one that connects directly to the console and not the controller. For more details see the Wired Headset Users page.
These are the major Xbox controller models that have been tested working with an Xbox Series X/S and the Cronus Zen. The Windows Xbox Accessories App detects all versions and can be used to update the firmware, test vibration, and test all button outputs.






🎮 PLAYSTATION (USB)
Setup Hardware: Xbox Series X/S console, DUALSENSE, and DUALSHOCK 4 v2 controllers, 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 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 a XBOX SERIES X/S CONSOLE from CONSOLE/PC (micro-USB)
- Connect an XBOX SERIES X/S or XBOX ONE controller to A1(license donor).
- Connect the PLAYSTATION controller to A3 and press both XBOX and PS buttons to power them on.
AUDIO: You can connect a wired headset to the PlayStation controller, or if that doesn't work connect it to the A1 Xbox donor controller. However, it is recommended that you use a wireless headset, or one that connects 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.
For more detailed help, check out the extensive TROUBLESHOOTING 👈 guide.