Sega Game Gear Emulation Lands on Steam Deck

This guide details how to install and play Sega Game Gear games on your Steam Deck using EmuDeck, enhancing 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:

Enable Developer Mode: Navigate to Steam > System > System Settings > Enable Developer Mode. Restart your Steam Deck after enabling CEF Remote Debugging under the Developer menu > Miscellaneous.

Essential Items: An A2 microSD card (or external HDD connected via dock) for storing ROMs and emulators is highly recommended. A keyboard and mouse simplify file transfers and artwork management. Remember to legally obtain your Game Gear ROMs.

Installing EmuDeck on the Steam Deck

Let's get EmuDeck running:

1. Switch to Desktop Mode (Steam button > Power > Switch to Desktop).
2. Download EmuDeck from its official website.
3. Choose the SteamOS version and "Custom Install."
4. Select your SD card as the primary installation location.
5. Choose your desired emulators (RetroArch, Emulation Station, Steam ROM Manager recommended).
6. Enable "Auto Save" and complete the installation.

Quick Settings

Configure EmuDeck's Quick Settings: Enable AutoSave, Controller Layout Match, set Sega Classic AR to 4:3, and turn on LCD Handhelds.

Transferring Game Gear ROMs and Using Steam ROM Manager

Adding your games:

Transfer ROMs: Navigate to Primary > Emulation > ROMs > gamegear in Dolphin File Manager and transfer your ROMs.

Steam ROM Manager: Open EmuDeck, launch Steam ROM Manager, select Game Gear, add your games, parse them, verify artwork, and save to Steam.

Resolving Missing Artwork in EmuDeck

Fixing artwork issues:

Use the "Fix" function in Steam ROM Manager to search for and replace missing or incorrect artwork. Ensure ROM filenames don't contain numbers before the game title, as this can interfere with artwork detection. Manually upload missing artwork via the Pictures folder if necessary.

Playing Game Gear Games on the Steam Deck

Launch your Game Gear games from your Steam Deck's Library > Collections > Game Gear.

Performance Settings: To avoid slowdown, adjust the in-game performance settings (QAS button > Performance) to 60 FPS, enabling the per-game profile.

Installing Decky Loader on the Steam Deck

Installing Decky Loader:

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

Installing the Power Tools Plugin

Adding Power Tools:

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

Troubleshooting Decky Loader After a Steam Deck Update

Restoring Decky Loader:

After a Steam Deck update, reinstall Decky Loader from its GitHub page using the "Execute" option (avoid "Open" to preserve settings). Enter your sudo password when prompted.

Enjoy your Game Gear games on your Steam Deck!