Sega Game Gear Classics Now Playable on Steam Deck

This guide details how to install and use EmuDeck to play Sega Game Gear games on your Steam Deck, maximizing performance with Decky Loader and Power Tools. We'll cover everything from initial setup to troubleshooting post-update issues.

Quick Links

• Before Installing EmuDeck
• Installing EmuDeck on the Steam Deck
• Transferring Game Gear ROMs and Using Steam ROM Manager
• Fixing 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, to incorporate Power Tools for optimal performance.

Before Installing EmuDeck

Preparing your Steam Deck is crucial before installing EmuDeck.

Enable Developer Mode:

1. Press the Steam button.
2. Access the System menu.
3. In System Settings, enable Developer Mode.
4. Locate the new Developer menu.
5. Within the Developer menu, find Miscellaneous.
6. Enable CEF Remote Debugging.
7. Restart your Steam Deck.

Essential Items:

• External storage (MicroSD card recommended) for ROMs and emulators.
• Optional: External HDD (requires Steam Deck Dock).
• Keyboard and mouse (highly recommended for easier file management).
• Legally obtained Game Gear ROMs (backups of games you own are permissible).

Installing EmuDeck on the Steam Deck

Now, let's download and 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 as the primary installation location.
5. Choose your desired emulators (RetroArch, Emulation Station, Steam ROM Manager recommended).
6. Enable Auto Save.
7. Complete the installation.

Quick Settings:

Once installed, access EmuDeck's Quick Settings:

• Enable AutoSave.
• Enable Controller Layout Match.
• Set Sega Classic AR to 4:3.
• Enable LCD Handhelds.

Transferring Game Gear ROMs and Using Steam ROM Manager

Let's add your Game Gear ROMs.

Transferring ROMs:

1. In Desktop Mode, navigate to your SD card's Emulation/ROMs/gamegear folder.
2. Transfer your ROMs to this folder.

Steam ROM Manager:

1. Open EmuDeck and launch Steam ROM Manager.
2. Close the Steam client when prompted.
3. Select the Game Gear icon.
4. Add and parse your games.
5. Review artwork and save to Steam.

Fixing Missing Artwork in EmuDeck

Steam ROM Manager might miss some artwork.

• Use the "Fix" function in Steam ROM Manager to search for missing artwork.
• Manually upload missing artwork via the Pictures folder if necessary. Ensure ROM names are clean (no numbers before the title).

Playing Game Gear Games on the Steam Deck

Time to play!

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

Performance Settings:

To improve performance:

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

Installing Decky Loader on the Steam Deck

Decky Loader enhances emulation.

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

Installing the Power Tools Plugin

Power Tools further optimizes performance.

1. Access Decky Loader via the QAM.
2. Open the Decky Store and install Power Tools.
3. Configure Power Tools (disable SMTs, set threads to 4, adjust GPU clock as needed).

Troubleshooting Decky Loader After a Steam Deck Update

Updates may remove Decky Loader.

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

Enjoy your Game Gear games on your Steam Deck!