Steam Deck: How To Run Sega Game Gear Games

This guide details how to install and use EmuDeck to play Sega Game Gear games on your Steam Deck, achieving optimal performance. We'll cover pre-installation steps, EmuDeck setup, ROM transfer, artwork fixes, gameplay, Decky Loader installation, Power Tools configuration, and troubleshooting post-Steam Deck updates.

Before You Begin: Essential Preparations

Before installing EmuDeck, ensure you've taken these crucial steps:

• Enable Developer Mode: Access Steam > System > System Settings > Enable Developer Mode. Then, navigate to the Developer menu, enable CEF Remote Debugging under Miscellaneous, and restart your Steam Deck.
• Essential Hardware: An A2 microSD card (or external HDD connected via dock) is highly recommended for storing ROMs and emulators, preserving your internal SSD space. A keyboard and mouse significantly simplify file transfers and artwork management.
• Legal ROMs: Ensure you legally own copies of any Game Gear ROMs you intend to use.

Installing EmuDeck

Follow these steps to install EmuDeck:

1. Switch to Desktop Mode (Steam button > Power > Switch to Desktop).
2. Download EmuDeck from its official website.
3. Select the Steam OS version and choose "Custom Install."
4. Select your microSD card (Primary) as the installation location.
5. Choose your desired emulators (RetroArch, Emulation Station, Steam ROM Manager are recommended).
6. Enable "Auto Save" and complete the installation.

Quick EmuDeck Settings Optimization

Open EmuDeck, navigate to Quick Settings, and ensure the following are enabled: AutoSave, Controller Layout Match, and LCD Handhelds On. Set Sega Classic AR to 4:3.

Transferring ROMs and Using Steam ROM Manager

Get your games ready:

1. Transfer your Game Gear ROMs to /emulation/roms/gamegear on your microSD card using Dolphin File Manager.
2. Open EmuDeck, access Steam ROM Manager, and close the Steam client when prompted.
3. Select Game Gear, Add Games, Parse, and Save to Steam after verifying artwork.

Fixing Missing Artwork

If artwork is missing or incorrect:

• Use the "Fix" function in Steam ROM Manager, searching by game title.
• Ensure ROM filenames don't contain numbers before the title, as this can interfere with artwork detection. Rename as needed.
• Manually upload missing artwork by saving images to the Steam Deck's Pictures folder and using the "Upload" function in Steam ROM Manager.

Playing Your Games

1. Switch to Gaming Mode.
2. Access your Game Gear games via the Library > Collections tab.
3. Adjust in-game performance settings (QAS button > Performance) to 60 FPS for smoother gameplay. Enable "Use per-game profile."

Enhancing Performance with Decky Loader and Power Tools

For enhanced performance:

1. Install Decky Loader from its GitHub page in Desktop Mode. Use a keyboard and mouse or the on-screen keyboard for easier navigation. Choose "Recommended Install."
2. Install the Power Tools plugin via the Decky Loader store in Gaming Mode (QAM button > plugin icon > store icon).
3. Configure Power Tools (QAM > Decky Loader > Power Tools): Disable SMTs, set Threads to 4, enable Manual GPU Clock Control, set GPU Clock Frequency to 1200, and enable Per Game Profile.

Restoring Decky Loader After a Steam Deck Update

If a Steam Deck update removes Decky Loader:

1. Switch to Desktop Mode.
2. Reinstall Decky Loader from GitHub, selecting "Execute" (not "Open") to preserve settings.
3. Restart your Steam Deck.

Enjoy your Game Gear games on your Steam Deck! Remember to always respect copyright laws and only use ROMs of games you own legally.