--- title: Controller Testing slug: controller-testing description: How to test controllers with your Cronus Zen. image: https://archbee-image-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/IwUlH55FdaPsVELSqm1Fc/ylbY0VHjiOuYG9OSMTRNj_hardreset.png icon: 🎮 docTags: createdAt: 2023-09-21T23:11:11.342Z --- Follow these easy steps to test Xbox® and PlayStation® controllers on a Windows® PC with your Cronus Zen. As a bonus, you'll also be checking that the firmware, USB ports, Zen Studio, and USB cables are all in good shape. Winner winner, chicken dinner! 🐔🚀 Before doing anything else, watch this video first, it will clarify pretty much everything. ::embed[]{url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBtYtsUeVik"} # Getting Started *** We will assume your Zen is updated to 2.2.14 using Zen Studio 1.6.1 Build 82. If not, here's what to do: - [STEP 1: Update Firmware](docId:9U47MtFRK1z6gjIle0uv5) - [STEP 2: Setup Zen Studio](docId\:NG3ONmxDsQcPrmgw_6R5y) Once you're updated, connect both the `CONSOLE/PC` and `PROG `USB cables to your Zen and PC. This is for testing only, not gameplay. The `PROG` cable syncs the Cronus Zen with Zen Studio for settings, library, scripts, GamePacks, and so on. Meanwhile, the `CONSOLE/PC` cable manages the controller signals. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/IwUlH55FdaPsVELSqm1Fc/dI8g1BjpH0bOcQtO-Rhi2_zenconsoleprogusbtopc.png "PROG + CONSOLE/PC to a Windows PC") ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/IwUlH55FdaPsVELSqm1Fc/NN2McltE6GaBD8WPDefvY_image.png "Zen Studio - Device Panel") Once everything is hooked up and your Cronus Zen is detected by Zen Studio, you're ready to setup and test your controller. 👍 # Xbox® Controller *** Set up an Xbox® controller and connect to any Zen-supported platform in minutes. ::::WorkflowBlock :::WorkflowBlockItem Tap Zen's reset button, **wait 5 seconds**, then plug the controller into `A1`. It should turn on by itself while pairing to the Zen. If it doesn't you can manually turn it on. ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Open Zen Studio 1.6.1 Build 82. Go to the Device panel and set the Output Protocol to '**XBOX ONE X/S**'. If everything's detected, you'll see the joypad and console icons light up. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/IwUlH55FdaPsVELSqm1Fc/PKqXbc0DxU_ZxCtZG5EcP_image.png) ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Hit `F3` to launch the device monitor. Test out your controller buttons and see if Zen Studio picks up the outputs right. ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem 🚫 **Important\:** Unplug the `PROG` USB cable from the Zen. 👈 ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Tap Zen's reset button. After a few seconds, the RGB LEDs should glow solid **GREEN**. If it doesn't, unplug the `CONSOLE/PC` USB, wait a few seconds, plug it back in. That should do the trick. ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Visit [gamepad-tester.com](https://gamepad-tester.com) to see if Windows® is picking up your controller correctly. Once confirmed, enjoy gaming on a Windows® PC with your Xbox® controller, or plug the `CONSOLE/PC` USB directly into an Xbox® Series X|S or Xbox® One console. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/IwUlH55FdaPsVELSqm1Fc/zWmwGgRUs4cxXQcBSehdi_image.png "Thanks to gamepad-tester.com") ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem **Crossover Magic:** With Cronus Zen, your Xbox® controller isn't just for Xbox® anymore! You can plug it into PlayStation® or Nintendo® Switch consoles too. Just change the Xbox® controller to `A3`, and depending on the console you're hooking up to, connect a PlayStation® or Nintendo® Switch controller to `A1`. Happy gaming! 😁 ::: :::: # PlayStation® Controller *** Set up a PlayStation® controller and connect to any Zen-supported platform in minutes. ::::WorkflowBlock :::WorkflowBlockItem Tap Zen's reset button, **wait 5 seconds**, then plug the controller into `A1`. It should turn on by itself while pairing to the Zen. If it doesn't you can manually turn it on. ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Open Zen Studio 1.6.1 Build 82. Go to the Device panel and set the Output Protocol to '**PLAYSTATION 5**' or '**PLAYSTATION 4**' If everything's detected, you'll see the joypad and console icons light up. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/IwUlH55FdaPsVELSqm1Fc/MZI14MzXnnLsUbm05vKmS_image.png) ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Hit `F3` to launch the device monitor. Test out your controller buttons and see if Zen Studio picks up the outputs right. ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem 🚫 **Important\:** Unplug the `PROG` USB cable from the Zen. 👈 ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Tap Zen's reset button. The RGB LEDs will stay off. **Note: **The PlayStation® controller touchpad may light up **ORANGE** for a second then turn off. This is expected behavior, totally fine. 👍 ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Visit [gamepad-tester.com](https://gamepad-tester.com) to see if Windows® is picking up your controller correctly. Once confirmed, enjoy gaming on a Windows® PC with your PlayStation® controller, or plug the `CONSOLE/PC` USB directly into a PlayStation® 5 or PlayStation® 4 console. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/IwUlH55FdaPsVELSqm1Fc/zc-7vvylTtK1q8lh7CqpR_image.png "Thanks to gamepad-tester.com") ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem **Crossover Magic:** With Cronus Zen, your PlayStation® controller isn't just for PlayStation® anymore! You can plug it into Xbox® or Nintendo® Switch consoles too. Just change the PlayStation® controller to `A3`, and depending on the console you're hooking up to, connect an Xbox® or Nintendo® Switch controller to `A1`. Happy gaming! 😁 ::: :::: # DualShock4® Emulation *** Transform any PlayStation®, Xbox®, or Nintendo Switch® controller to behave like a traditional DualShock4®. Perfect for devices or games that only recognize DualShock4® controllers! ::::WorkflowBlock :::WorkflowBlockItem Tap Zen's reset button, **wait 5 seconds**, then plug the controller into `A3`. It should turn on by itself while pairing to the Zen. If it doesn't you can manually turn it on. ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Open Zen Studio 1.6.1 Build 82. Go to the Device panel and choose '**Enable PS Remote Play**'. If everything's detected, you'll see the joypad and console icons light up. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/IwUlH55FdaPsVELSqm1Fc/LfDh-UrRzcifoXbMFNsoq_image.png "Zen Studio - Device Panel") ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Hit `F3` to launch the device monitor. Test out your controller buttons and see if Zen Studio picks up the outputs right. ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem 🚫 **Important\:** Unplug the `PROG` USB cable from the Zen. 👈 ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Tap Zen's reset button. The RGB LEDs will stay off *(expected behavior)*. **Note: **The PlayStation® controller touchpad will light up **BLUE**. ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Visit [gamepad-tester.com](https://gamepad-tester.com) to see if Windows® is picking up your controller correctly. If it's not, unplug the `CONSOLE/PC` USB, wait a few seconds, plug it back in, and give it another go. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/IwUlH55FdaPsVELSqm1Fc/fypV3plfJo02rkQs1wykD_image.png "Thanks to gamepad-tester.com") ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Thanks to DualShock4® emulation, simply connect the `CONSOLE/PC` USB cable to any console or mobile device *(using an OTG adapter)*, and voilà! 💥 Your controller will mimic a DualShock4® perfectly. 🎮🚀 Happy gaming! 😁 ::: ::::