This guide details how to install and play Game Gear games on your Steam Deck using EmuDeck, ensuring optimal performance. We'll cover pre-installation steps, EmuDeck setup, ROM management, artwork fixes, performance tweaks, Decky Loader and Power Tools installation, and troubleshooting post-Steam Deck updates.

Quick Links

• Pre-Installation Steps
• EmuDeck Installation
• ROM Transfer and Steam ROM Manager
• Fixing Missing Artwork
• Playing Game Gear Games
• Decky Loader Installation
• Power Tools Plugin Installation
• Troubleshooting Decky Loader Post-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 and high-performance experience.

Pre-Installation Steps

Before installing EmuDeck, prepare your Steam Deck:

Enable Developer Mode:

1. Press the Steam button.
2. Navigate to System > System Settings.
3. Enable Developer Mode.
4. Access the Developer menu, go to Miscellaneous, and enable CEF Remote Debugging.
5. Restart your Steam Deck.

Essential Items:

• A2 MicroSD card (recommended) or external HDD (requires Steam Deck dock).
• Keyboard and mouse (highly recommended for easier file management).
• Legally obtained Game Gear ROMs (copies of games you own).

EmuDeck Installation

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 (Primary) as the installation location.
5. Choose your desired emulators (RetroArch, Emulation Station, Steam ROM Manager recommended).
6. Enable Auto Save.
7. Complete the installation.

Quick Settings

Configure EmuDeck's Quick Settings:

• Enable AutoSave.
• Enable Controller Layout Match.
• Set Sega Classic AR to 4:3.
• Turn on LCD Handhelds.

ROM Transfer and Steam ROM Manager

Transfer your ROMs and integrate them into Steam:

Transfer ROMs:

1. Open Dolphin File Manager in Desktop Mode.
2. Navigate to Primary > Emulation > ROMs > gamegear.
3. Transfer your ROMs to this folder.

Steam ROM Manager:

1. Open EmuDeck and launch Steam ROM Manager.
2. Close the Steam client when prompted.
3. Select Game Gear as the parser.
4. Add your games and parse them.
5. Verify artwork and save to Steam.

Fixing Missing Artwork

Resolve missing or incorrect artwork:

• Use the "Fix" function in Steam ROM Manager, searching for the game title.
• Remove any numbers preceding the game title in the ROM filename.
• Manually upload artwork from online sources if necessary.

Playing Game Gear Games

Access your games and optimize performance:

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

Performance Settings:

1. Access the Quick Access Menu (QAM).
2. Go to Performance.
3. Enable per-game profiles and set the Frame Limit to 60 FPS.

Decky Loader Installation

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.

Power Tools Plugin Installation

Install and configure Power Tools:

1. Access Decky Loader via the QAM.
2. Open the Decky Store and install Power Tools.
3. Disable SMTs and set Threads to 4.
4. Enable Manual GPU Clock Control and set the GPU Clock Frequency to 1200.
5. Enable Per Game Profile.

Troubleshooting Decky Loader Post-Update

Restore Decky Loader after a Steam Deck update:

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

Enjoy your Game Gear games on your Steam Deck!