Sega Game Gear Titles Soar on Steam Deck

This guide details how to install and configure EmuDeck on your Steam Deck to play Game Gear games, including optimizing performance and troubleshooting potential issues.

Quick Links

• Before Installing EmuDeck
• Installing EmuDeck on the Steam Deck
• Transferring Game Gear ROMs and Using Steam ROM Manager
• Resolving Missing Artwork in EmuDeck
• Playing Game Gear Games on the Steam Deck
• Installing Decky Loader on the Steam Deck
• Installing the Power Tools Plugin
• Troubleshooting Decky Loader After a Steam Deck Update

The Sega Game Gear, a pioneering handheld console, now finds a new home on the Steam Deck thanks to EmuDeck. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough. Updated January 8th, 2025.

Before Installing EmuDeck

Preparation is key. Before installing EmuDeck, ensure you have the necessary tools and settings configured.

Enable Developer Mode:

1. Press the Steam button.
2. Access the System menu.
3. In System Settings, enable Developer Mode.
4. Locate the Developer menu.
5. Navigate to Miscellaneous and enable CEF Remote Debugging.
6. Restart your Steam Deck.

Recommended Items:

• External storage (A2 microSD card recommended) for ROMs and emulators to preserve internal SSD space. Alternatively, an external HDD connected via a dock.
• Keyboard and mouse for easier file management and artwork searching.
• Legally obtained Game Gear ROMs (copies of games you own).

Installing EmuDeck on the Steam Deck

Now, let's install EmuDeck.

1. Switch to Desktop Mode.
2. Open a web browser and download EmuDeck.
3. Select the SteamOS version and choose Custom Install.
4. Select your SD card (Primary) as the installation location.
5. Choose your desired emulators (RetroArch, Emulation Station, Steam ROM Manager are recommended).
6. Enable Auto Save.
7. Complete the installation.

Quick Settings:

Within EmuDeck, access Quick Settings:

• Ensure AutoSave is enabled.
• Enable Controller Layout Match.
• Set Sega Classic AR to 4:3.
• Turn on LCD Handhelds.

Transferring Game Gear ROMs and Using Steam ROM Manager

Time to add your games.

Transfer ROMs:

1. Open Dolphin File Manager in Desktop Mode.
2. Navigate to your SD card (Primary) > Emulation > ROMs > gamegear.
3. Transfer your Game Gear ROMs to this folder.

Steam ROM Manager:

1. Open EmuDeck and launch Steam ROM Manager.
2. Close the Steam Client when prompted.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions, selecting Game Gear as the platform.
4. Add your games and parse the data.
5. Review artwork and save to Steam.

Resolving Missing Artwork in EmuDeck

If artwork is missing:

• Use the "Fix" function in Steam ROM Manager to search for and download missing artwork.
• Ensure ROM filenames don't contain numbers before the game title.
• Manually upload missing artwork via the "Upload" function in Steam ROM Manager, using images saved to your Steam Deck's Pictures folder.

Playing Game Gear Games on the Steam Deck

1. Switch to Gaming Mode.
2. Access your Steam Library.
3. Open the Game Gear collection.
4. Select a game and play.

Performance Settings:

To improve performance:

1. Open the Quick Access Menu (QAM).
2. Select Performance.
3. Enable per-game profiles and set the Frame Limit to 60 FPS.

Installing Decky Loader on the Steam Deck

Decky Loader enhances functionality.

1. Switch to Desktop Mode.
2. Download Decky Loader from GitHub.
3. Run the installer and choose Recommended Install.
4. Restart your Steam Deck.

Installing the Power Tools Plugin

1. In Gaming Mode, access the Decky Loader plugin menu (QAM).
2. Open the Decky Store and install the Power Tools plugin.
3. Configure Power Tools (disable SMTs, set threads to 4, adjust GPU clock if needed).

Troubleshooting Decky Loader After a Steam Deck Update

If Decky Loader disappears after an update:

1. Switch to Desktop Mode.
2. Reinstall Decky Loader from GitHub (using execute, not open).
3. Restart your Steam Deck.