How to Use the Cronus Zen on PC

PC Is the Simplest Setup

Using a Cronus Zen on PC is the easiest setup of any platform. There's no bypass, no authentication — just a USB cable between the Cronus Zen and your computer. If you can plug in a controller, you can set up a Cronus Zen on PC.

What You Need

• A Cronus Zen with the latest firmware.
• A controller — any controller works: Xbox, PS5 DualSense, PS4 DualShock, or third-party.
• Two USB cables — one from the Cronus Zen's OUTPUT port to your PC, and one from your controller to the Cronus Zen's A1 port.

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Load your scripts first. Before connecting to your PC for gameplay, use Zen Studio to load your scripts into the memory slots. You've already done this if you followed our Zen Studio guide.
2. Set the output protocol. In Zen Studio, go to Device → Output Protocol and select the controller type you want games to see:
   • Xbox 360 — broadest PC game compatibility. Most PC games natively support Xbox input.
   • Xbox One X/S — use this if you want Xbox Series controller features like impulse triggers.
   • DualShock 4 — use this if you want PlayStation button prompts in games that support it.
3. Disconnect the PROG cable. Unplug the right-side cable from the Cronus Zen. Only the OUTPUT cable (top port) should be connected to your PC.
4. Connect your controller. Plug your controller into the A1 port (left-side USB) on the Cronus Zen.
5. Plug the OUTPUT cable into your PC. The Cronus Zen will power on and your PC will detect it as a standard controller.
6. Select your script using the button on the Cronus Zen, and launch your game.

Important: PROG Port Must Be Disconnected

The PROG port (right-side micro-USB) is used exclusively for Zen Studio connections. If it's plugged in while you're trying to play, the Cronus Zen stays in programming mode and won't send controller input to your PC. Always disconnect the PROG cable before gameplay.

Steam and Game Compatibility

The Cronus Zen works with virtually every PC game because your PC sees it as a standard controller. This includes:

• Steam games — Steam's controller support handles the Cronus Zen automatically. Enable controller support in Steam Settings → Controller for the best experience.
• Epic Games titles — works out of the box with controller support enabled in-game.
• Xbox Game Pass / Microsoft Store — since most PC games expect Xbox input, setting the output protocol to Xbox gives native compatibility.

Using Keyboard and Mouse Through the Cronus Zen

The Cronus Zen also supports keyboard and mouse input on PC, though this is less common since you can already use KBM natively. The main use case is running scripts that require controller input while using your preferred peripherals. Plug your keyboard and mouse into the Cronus Zen's A2 and A3 ports, and the device will translate the input.

Troubleshooting

Windows doesn't detect the controller

Open Settings → Devices → Controllers and check if a game controller appears. If not, try a different USB port. Also verify the PROG cable is disconnected.

Game shows wrong button prompts

This means the output protocol doesn't match what the game expects. Switch to Xbox 360 output protocol for the widest compatibility. Most PC games default to Xbox prompts.