Steam Deck: How To Run Sega Game Gear Games

This guide details how to install and utilize EmuDeck on your Steam Deck to play Sega Game Gear games, optimizing performance with Decky Loader and Power Tools.

Before You Begin: Essential Preparations

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

Enable Developer Mode: Navigate to Steam > System > System Settings > Enable Developer Mode. Then, within the Developer menu, enable CEF Remote Debugging. Restart your Steam Deck.

Recommended Equipment: An A2 microSD card (or external HDD connected via dock) for storing ROMs and emulators is highly recommended to preserve your internal SSD space. A keyboard and mouse simplify file transfers and artwork management. Remember to legally obtain your Game Gear ROMs.

Installing EmuDeck

Follow these steps to install EmuDeck:

1. Switch to Desktop Mode (Steam button > Power > Switch to Desktop).
2. Open a web browser and download EmuDeck from its official website.
3. Select the SteamOS 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). Enable "Auto Save."
6. Complete the installation.

Quick EmuDeck Settings

Access EmuDeck's Quick Settings:

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

Transferring ROMs and Using Steam ROM Manager

Transfer your Game Gear ROMs to the /Emulation/roms/gamegear directory on your microSD card. Then:

1. Open EmuDeck and launch Steam ROM Manager.
2. Close the Steam client when prompted.
3. Select the Game Gear icon and "Add Games."
4. Parse your games and save them to Steam.

Resolving Missing Artwork

If artwork is missing, use Steam ROM Manager's "Fix" function to search for and download the correct covers. Ensure ROM filenames don't contain numbers before the game title, as this can interfere with artwork detection. Manually upload artwork from your Steam Deck's Pictures folder if necessary.

Playing Your Games

Access your Game Gear games via Steam's Library > Collections. To improve performance:

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

Enhancing Performance with Decky Loader and Power Tools

For optimal performance, install Decky Loader:

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

Then, install the Power Tools plugin via the Decky Loader store. Within Power Tools, disable SMTs, set Threads to 4, and adjust GPU clock settings as needed (refer to the original guide for detailed instructions).

Recovering Decky Loader After a Steam Deck Update

If a Steam Deck update removes Decky Loader, reinstall it from its GitHub page using the "Execute" option (not "Open") to preserve your settings. You'll need your sudo password.

Enjoy your Game Gear games on your Steam Deck!