This guide details how to play Sega CD games on your Steam Deck using EmuDeck. We'll cover setup, ROM transfer, and troubleshooting.

Pre-Installation Steps:

Enable Developer Mode and CEF Remote Debugging on your Steam Deck to ensure compatibility with EmuDeck updates. Instructions:

1. Access Steam Menu (Steam button).
2. Go to System > Developer Mode and enable it.
3. In the Developer menu, enable CEF Remote Debugging.
4. Power down and restart in Desktop Mode.

Essential Items:

• High-speed A2 microSD card (for EmuDeck and games).
• Formatted microSD card (format it on the Steam Deck).
• Legally obtained Sega CD ROMs and BIOS files.
• (Optional) Keyboard and mouse for easier navigation.

EmuDeck Installation:

1. Switch to Desktop Mode.
2. Download a browser (from the Discovery Store).
3. Download EmuDeck, selecting the SteamOS version.
4. Run the installer, choose Custom installation.
5. Select your microSD card as the installation location.
6. Select RetroArch, MelonDS, Steam ROM Manager, and Emulation Station (or all emulators).
7. Complete the installation.

Transferring Sega CD Files:

1. Open Dolphin File Browser (Desktop Mode).
2. Navigate to your microSD card ("Primary").
3. Go to Emulation > BIOS and transfer your BIOS files.
4. Go to Emulation > ROMS > segaCD (or megaCD) and transfer your ROMs.

Adding ROMs to Steam ROM Manager:

1. Open EmuDeck and launch Steam ROM Manager.
2. Click "Next."
3. Click on the two Nintendo DS windows (this step is included in the original but may not be necessary for Sega CD).
4. Click "Add Games" then "Parse."
5. Steam ROM Manager will organize your games and covers.

Fixing Missing Covers:

If covers are missing:

1. Click "Fix."
2. Search for the game title.
3. Select a cover and click "Save and Close."

Manually add covers if needed: Click "Upload," select your image, and click "Save and Close."

Playing Sega CD Games:

1. Go to Steam Library > Collections.
2. Find your Sega CD games and launch them.

Using Emulation Station:

Emulation Station (if installed) provides a better organized library, especially for multi-disc games. Launch it from your Non-Steam library. Use the scraper function within Emulation Station to automatically download metadata and artwork.

Decky Loader Installation:

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

Power Tools Installation and Optimization:

1. Access Decky Loader via the QAM.
2. Install Power Tools from the Decky Store.
3. Optimize settings within Power Tools (disable SMTs, set Threads to 4, adjust GPU clock if needed).

Restoring Decky Loader After a Steam Deck Update:

If Decky Loader is removed after an update:

1. Switch to Desktop Mode.
2. Re-download Decky Loader from GitHub.
3. Run the installer using "Execute" (not "Open").
4. Enter your sudo password (create one if needed).
5. Restart your Steam Deck.

Enjoy your Sega CD games!