Steam Deck: How To Run Sega Game Gear Games

This guide details how to install and configure EmuDeck on your Steam Deck to play Game Gear games, including optimizing performance and troubleshooting potential issues.

Quick Links

• Before Installing EmuDeck
• Installing EmuDeck on the Steam Deck
• Transferring Game Gear ROMs and Using Steam ROM Manager
• Resolving 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. EmuDeck developers recommend Power Tools via Decky Loader for optimal performance; this is included.

Before Installing EmuDeck

Prepare your Steam Deck by enabling Developer Mode and gathering necessary tools.

Enable Developer Mode:

1. Press the Steam button.
2. Access the System menu.
3. In System Settings, enable Developer Mode.
4. Access the new Developer menu, navigate to Miscellaneous, and enable CEF Remote Debugging.
5. Restart your Steam Deck.

Recommended Items:

• An A2 microSD card (or external HDD connected via dock) for storing ROMs and emulators.
• A keyboard and mouse (optional, but recommended for easier file management).
• 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 microSD 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, Controller Layout Match are enabled. Set Sega Classic AR to 4:3 and enable LCD Handhelds.

Transferring Game Gear ROMs and Using Steam ROM Manager

Transfer your ROMs and integrate them into Steam.

Transfer ROMs:

1. In Desktop Mode, use Dolphin File Manager to navigate to your microSD card's Emulation/ROMs/gamegear folder.
2. Transfer your Game Gear ROMs into this folder.

Steam ROM Manager:

1. Open EmuDeck and launch Steam ROM Manager.
2. Close the Steam client when prompted.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions, selecting Game Gear as the system and adding your games.
4. Verify artwork and save to Steam.

Resolving Missing Artwork in EmuDeck

Fix missing or incorrect artwork.

• Use the "Fix" function in Steam ROM Manager to search for and apply correct artwork.
• Ensure ROM filenames are clean (remove numbers preceding the game title).
• Manually upload artwork via the Steam ROM Manager if automatic methods fail.

Playing Game Gear Games on the Steam Deck

Access and optimize your Game Gear games.

1. Switch to Gaming Mode.
2. Access your Game Gear collection in the Steam Library.
3. Launch your chosen game.

Performance Settings:

Adjust in-game settings to 60 FPS to improve performance. Access this via the Quick Access Menu (QAM).

Installing Decky Loader on the Steam Deck

Install Decky Loader for enhanced control.

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

Troubleshooting Decky Loader After a Steam Deck Update

Restore Decky Loader after a Steam Deck update.

1. Switch to Desktop Mode.
2. Re-download and reinstall Decky Loader (choosing "Execute," not "Open").
3. Restart your Steam Deck.

Enjoy your Game Gear games on your Steam Deck!