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.
👉 This page includes the following (Wireless Adapter) 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.
🎧 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 console and not the controller.
See the Wired Headset Users page for more detailed information.
It is important to make sure your Xbox controller is paired to the Zen and not the Xbox. The Zen is always wired to your console, so it won't output any battery information for the controller. Press the XBOX button and in the top right of your screen you will see a battery charging or a power cable icon. If it's the power cable then you are correctly paired to the Zen.
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.
Cronus Zen supports the Xbox Wireless Adapter with all models up to firmware version 5.13.3146.0. You are still able to Revert Xbox Firmware if you need to.
Setup Hardware: Xbox Series X/S console, XBOX SERIES X/S, XBOX ELITE S2 and XBOX ONE controllers (fully charged🔋), Zen Studio and Zen Firmware .
- 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 an XBOX WIRELESS ADAPTER to A3.
- Connect the XBOX controller to A2 and press the XBOX button to power it on. Wait a few seconds until the A2 status LED lights up GREEN, then unplug the XBOX controller from A2.
AUDIO: You can connect a wired headset to the XBOX 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.
XBOX 360 CONTROLLER: If you are using an Xbox 360 wireless receiver (not the same as the Xbox Wireless Adapter - available now our store 🛒), follow the instructions above starting from Step 6 and connect the 360 wireless receiver to A3, then 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 an Xbox Series X/S, Xbox Wireless, and the Cronus Zen. The Windows Xbox Accessories App detects all versions and can be used to test vibration and buttons.
📶 XBOX WIRELESS ADAPTER HELP
If the controller disconnects from the Xbox Wireless adapter every 8 seconds, XBOX led blinks 3 times, connects to the adapter, then disconnects again 8 seconds later, the Xbox Wireless Adapter has probably developed a fault and needs to be replaced
There is also the possibility that your local wireless network is causing interference. Xbox controllers and wireless headsets both use the 2.4GHz and 5GHz ranges and there are literally thousands of articles on the internet about this issue.
We've put together an extensive report on Xbox Wireless Adapters along with the necessary fixes, workarounds and general precautions to ensure disconnection free gaming. Click here to find out more.
The ASTRO C40 TR PS4 controller a WIRED / WIRELESS switch that works with a custom wireless adapter, supplied with the controller.
Setup Hardware: Xbox Series X/S console, ASTRO C40 TR controller (fully charged🔋), Zen Studio and Zen Firmware .
- 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 PS4 CONSOLE from CONSOLE/PC (micro-USB).
- Connect an XBOX SERIES X/S or XBOX ONE controller to A1(license donor).
- Connect the ASTRO WIRELESS ADAPTER to A3 and press the controller's PS button to power it on.
AUDIO: You can connect a wired headset to the ASTRO C40 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.
💡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 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.
