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, 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
• Fixing Missing Artwork in EmuDeck
• Playing Game Gear Games on the Steam Deck
• Installing Decky Loader on the Steam Deck
• Installing the Power Tools Plugin
• Resolving Decky Loader Issues 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 using Power Tools via Decky Loader for optimal performance.

Before Installing EmuDeck

Preparation is key. Before installing EmuDeck, ensure you have the necessary tools and have taken the following steps:

Enable Developer Mode

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

Recommended Items

• External storage (A2 microSD card recommended) for ROMs and emulators to preserve internal SSD space. Alternatively, an external HDD can be used with a dock.
• Keyboard and mouse for easier file management and artwork searching.
• Legally obtained Game Gear ROMs (copies of games you own).

Installing EmuDeck on the Steam Deck

Now, let's install EmuDeck:

1. Switch to Desktop Mode.
2. Open a web browser and download EmuDeck.
3. Select the Steam OS version and choose Custom Install.
4. Select your SD 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

Once installed, access EmuDeck's Quick Settings:

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

Transferring Game Gear ROMs and Using Steam ROM Manager

Time to add your games:

Transferring ROMs

1. In Desktop Mode, use the file manager to navigate to your SD 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. Select the Game Gear icon.
4. Add your games and parse them.
5. Review artwork and save to Steam.

Fixing Missing Artwork in EmuDeck

If artwork is missing:

• Use the "Fix" function in Steam ROM Manager, searching by game title.
• If the ROM title includes numbers, remove them before re-scanning.
• Manually upload missing artwork via the Pictures folder and Steam ROM Manager.

Playing Game Gear Games on the Steam Deck

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

Performance Settings

To improve performance:

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

Installing Decky Loader on the Steam Deck

Decky Loader enhances functionality:

1. Switch to Desktop Mode.
2. Download Decky Loader from GitHub.
3. Run the installer and choose Recommended Install.
4. Restart your Steam Deck.

Installing the Power Tools Plugin

1. Access Decky Loader via the QAM.
2. Open the Decky Store and install the Power Tools plugin.
3. In Power Tools, disable SMTs, set Threads to 4, enable Manual GPU Clock Control, and set GPU Clock Frequency to 1200. Enable per-game profiles.

Resolving Decky Loader Issues After a Steam Deck Update

If Decky Loader disappears after an update:

1. Switch to Desktop Mode.
2. Re-download Decky Loader from GitHub.
3. Run the installer (using sudo if necessary).
4. Restart your Steam Deck.

Enjoy your Game Gear games on your Steam Deck!