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.

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. Recent updates recommend Power Tools via Decky Loader for optimal performance.

Before Installing EmuDeck

Prepare your Steam Deck by taking these preliminary steps:

Activate 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.
5. Navigate to Miscellaneous and enable CEF Remote Debugging.
6. Restart your Steam Deck.

Recommended Items

• External storage (A2 MicroSD card recommended) for emulators and ROMs. An external HDD is an alternative, requiring a Steam Deck dock.
• Keyboard and mouse (for easier file transfer and artwork 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 navigate to the EmuDeck website.
3. Download EmuDeck, selecting the Steam OS version and "Custom Install."
4. Choose your SD card as the primary installation location.
5. Select desired emulators (RetroArch, Emulation Station, Steam ROM Manager recommended).
6. Enable Auto Save.
7. Complete the installation.

Quick Settings

1. Open EmuDeck and access Quick Settings.
2. Ensure AutoSave is enabled.
3. Enable Controller Layout Match.
4. Set Sega Classic AR to 4:3.
5. Turn on LCD Handhelds.

Transferring Game Gear ROMs and Using Steam ROM Manager

Add your Game Gear ROMs to your Steam library:

Transferring ROMs

1. Open Dolphin File Manager in Desktop Mode.
2. Navigate to your SD card's "Emulation/ROMs/gamegear" folder.
3. Transfer your ROMs into 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 in the Parsers screen.
4. Add and parse your games.
5. 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.
• Remove any numbers preceding game titles in ROM filenames, as this can interfere with artwork detection.
• Manually upload missing artwork via the "Upload" function in Steam ROM Manager, using images saved to your Steam Deck's Pictures folder.

Playing Game Gear Games on the Steam Deck

Access and play your Game Gear games:

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

Performance Settings

To optimize performance:

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 the recommended installation.
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. Configure Power Tools (disable SMTs, set threads to 4, adjust GPU clock frequency as needed, and enable per-game profiles).

Troubleshooting Decky Loader After a Steam Deck Update

Reinstall 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 using sudo. (You may need to create a sudo password if you haven't already.)
4. Restart your Steam Deck in Gaming Mode.

Enjoy your enhanced Game Gear gaming experience on your Steam Deck!