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, including optimizing performance and troubleshooting potential issues. We'll cover everything from initial setup to resolving Decky Loader conflicts after Steam Deck updates.

Quick Links

• Before Installing EmuDeck
• Installing EmuDeck on the Steam Deck
• Transferring Game Gear ROMs and Using Steam ROM Manager
• Resolving Missing Artwork Issues 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 ensures a smooth experience, maximizing performance and addressing common problems. Recent updates recommend using Power Tools via Decky Loader for optimal gameplay.

Before Installing EmuDeck

Prepare your Steam Deck for optimal emulation.

Enable Developer Mode:

1. Access the Steam menu.
2. Navigate to System > System Settings.
3. Enable Developer Mode.
4. Access the new Developer menu, navigate to Miscellaneous, and enable CEF Remote Debugging.
5. 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

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 are recommended).
6. Enable Auto Save.
7. Complete the installation.

Quick Settings:

Within EmuDeck, access Quick Settings and:

• 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

Add your ROMs and integrate them into your Steam Library.

Transfer ROMs:

1. Open Dolphin File Manager in Desktop Mode.
2. Navigate to your SD card's Emulation > ROMs > gamegear folder.
3. Transfer your ROMs.

Steam ROM Manager:

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

Resolving Missing Artwork Issues in EmuDeck

Fix missing or incorrect artwork.

• Use the "Fix" function in Steam ROM Manager, searching by game title.
• Remove any numbers preceding game titles in ROM filenames, as this can interfere with artwork recognition.
• Manually upload missing artwork via the "Upload" function, using images saved to the Steam Deck's Pictures folder.

Playing Game Gear Games on the Steam Deck

Access and optimize your Game Gear games.

1. Switch to Gaming Mode.
2. Open your Steam Library, then the Collections tab.
3. Select your Game Gear game and play.

Performance Settings:

To improve framerate:

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

Install Decky Loader for enhanced control and features.

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

Installing the Power Tools Plugin

Install and configure Power Tools.

1. Open the Decky Loader plugin store in Gaming Mode (via QAM).
2. Install the Power Tools plugin.
3. Within Power Tools, disable SMTs, set Threads to 4, enable Manual GPU Clock Control, set GPU Clock Frequency to 1200, and enable Per Game Profile.

Troubleshooting Decky Loader After a Steam Deck Update

Restore Decky Loader after a Steam Deck update.

1. Switch to Desktop Mode.
2. Re-download Decky Loader from its GitHub page.
3. Run the installer (choosing "Execute," not "Open").
4. Enter your sudo password.
5. Restart your Steam Deck in Gaming Mode.

Enjoy your enhanced Game Gear experience on your Steam Deck!