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, maximizing performance with Decky Loader and Power Tools.

Before You Begin: Preparation and Developer Mode

Before installing EmuDeck, prepare your Steam Deck:

• Activate Developer Mode: Navigate to Steam Button > System > System Settings > Enable Developer Mode. Then, within the Developer menu, enable CEF Remote Debugging. Restart your Steam Deck.
• Essential Items: An A2 microSD card (or external HDD) for storing ROMs and emulators is crucial. A keyboard and mouse are highly recommended for easier file management. Remember to legally obtain your Game Gear ROMs.

Installing EmuDeck

Install EmuDeck:

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

Quick EmuDeck 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 ROMs and Using Steam ROM Manager

Add your Game Gear ROMs:

1. In Desktop Mode, use Dolphin File Manager to navigate to Primary > Emulation > ROMS > gamegear.
2. Transfer your ROMs to this folder.
3. Open EmuDeck, then "Steam ROM Manager". Follow the on-screen prompts to add your Game Gear games to your Steam Library. Ensure artwork is correctly assigned; if not, use the "Fix" function within SRM to search for and apply correct artwork. If the ROM filename contains numbers before the game title, remove them to ensure correct artwork detection. Manually upload missing artwork if necessary via the "Upload" function in SRM.

Fixing Missing Artwork

If artwork is missing or incorrect:

1. Use the "Fix" function in Steam ROM Manager to search for the correct artwork.
2. For missing artwork, manually search online, save the image to your Steam Deck's Pictures folder, and then upload it through Steam ROM Manager.

Playing Your Games

1. Switch back to Gaming Mode.
2. Access your Steam Library.
3. Go to the "Collections" tab (R1 button).
4. Select your Game Gear collection and launch a game.
5. Adjust performance settings (QAS button > Performance) to 60 FPS for optimal gameplay.

Installing Decky Loader and Power Tools

For enhanced performance:

1. Switch to Desktop Mode.
2. Download Decky Loader from its GitHub page.
3. Run the installer and choose "Recommended Install". Restart your Steam Deck.
4. In Gaming Mode, access Decky Loader via the QAM button.
5. Open the Decky Store and install the "Power Tools" plugin.
6. Configure Power Tools (disable SMTs, set threads to 4, adjust GPU clock as needed via the Performance menu within Power Tools) for optimal emulation performance. Enable "Per Game Profile" to save these settings for individual games.

Fixing Decky Loader After a Steam Deck Update

If a Steam Deck update removes Decky Loader:

1. Switch to Desktop Mode.
2. Download Decky Loader again.
3. Run the downloaded file (select "Execute," not "Open").
4. Enter your sudo password.
5. Restart your Steam Deck.

Enjoy your Game Gear games on your Steam Deck! Remember to always legally obtain your ROMs.