This guide covers every way to connect a controller to your Cronus Zen — USB (matched & crossover) and wireless (Bluetooth & adapter).
USB: Matched Setup
Matched is the simplest method — same brand controller on same brand console (e.g., Xbox controller on Xbox, DualShock on PS4).
1
Connect Cronus Zen to a PC via
PROG USB. Set the
Output Protocol in Zen Studio → Device Panel:
- PS4: PlayStation 4/5
- Xbox: Xbox One X/S
- Switch: Nintendo Switch
2
Connect the Zen to your console using the CONSOLE/PC USB port.
3
Plug the controller into the Zen's A1 USB port. After a few seconds, it powers on and syncs.
4
Test in-game to confirm all buttons work.
USB: Crossover Setup
Crossover lets you use any controller on any console (e.g., DualSense on Xbox, Xbox controller on PS4).
1
Set the Output Protocol in Zen Studio to match your console (same as above).
2
Connect the Zen to your console via CONSOLE/PC USB.
3
Connect the authentication (AUTH) controller — the one that matches the console — to A1. It must stay connected.
4
Connect the crossover controller (the one you want to play with) to A3.
Example
Playing on Xbox with a PS5 DualSense? Xbox controller goes to A1 (AUTH), DualSense goes to A3.
Wireless: Xbox (Wireless Adapter)
Xbox controllers don't support Bluetooth with Cronus Zen. You need the Xbox Wireless Adapter.
Matched wireless
1
Connect the Xbox Wireless Adapter to A3.
2
Connect the Xbox controller to A2 using USB. Wait a few seconds, then disconnect.
3
The adapter LED blinks, then turns solid white — controller is paired.
Crossover wireless
Same as matched, but also connect the AUTH controller (matching the console) to A1.
Wireless: PlayStation (Bluetooth)
Matched
1
Press the P2 Bluetooth pairing button on the Zen. RGB LEDs flash blue.
2
On DualShock 4: hold SHARE + PS. On DualSense: hold Create + PS until the light bar flashes.
3
When paired, both the controller light bar and Zen LEDs turn solid blue.
Crossover
Same steps, but connect the AUTH controller to A1.
Wireless: Nintendo Switch
Switch Pro Controller
1
Press P2 on the Zen (LEDs flash blue).
2
Hold the SYNC button on the Pro Controller until player LEDs flash.
3
When paired, LEDs stop flashing and stay solid.
Joy-Cons (paired separately)
1
In Zen Studio, set Output Protocol to Nintendo Switch.
2
Connect Zen to the Switch TV Dock via CONSOLE/PC USB.
3
Press P2 (LEDs flash blue), then hold the Left Joy-Con SYNC button. It vibrates when paired.
4
Press P2 again, then hold the Right Joy-Con SYNC button. It vibrates when paired.
Switch TV Dock
When using a TV Dock, make sure the 15V power supply is connected or the Zen won't power on. Handheld mode requires a USB-C OTG adapter.
Switch requirement
Enable: System Settings → Controllers and Sensors → Pro Controller Wired Communication: On
Battery
Your controller might not charge when connected via Zen. Ensure it's fully charged or has fresh batteries to prevent disconnections.
