Play Retro on Steam Deck: Sega Game Gear Games Now Available

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.

Before You Begin: Essential Preparations

Before installing EmuDeck, ensure you've completed these steps:

• Activate Developer Mode: Navigate to Steam > System > System Settings > Enable Developer Mode. Then, within the Developer menu, enable CEF Remote Debugging. Restart your Steam Deck.

• Recommended Equipment: An A2 microSD card (or external HDD connected via dock) is crucial for storing ROMs and emulators, freeing up your internal SSD. A keyboard and mouse simplify file transfers and artwork management. Remember to legally obtain your Game Gear ROMs.

Installing EmuDeck

Follow these steps to install EmuDeck:

1. Switch to Desktop Mode (Steam button > Power > Switch to Desktop).
2. Open a web browser and download EmuDeck from its official website.
3. Select the SteamOS version and choose "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 EmuDeck Settings

Within EmuDeck, access Quick Settings:

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

Transferring ROMs and Using Steam ROM Manager

Get your games ready:

1. Transfer your Game Gear ROMs to the Emulation/ROMs/gamegear folder on your SD card.
2. Open EmuDeck and launch Steam ROM Manager.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts, selecting the Game Gear parser.
4. Add your games and allow SRM to parse and add them to your Steam library.

Fixing Missing Artwork

If artwork is missing:

• Use the "Fix" function in Steam ROM Manager, searching by game title.
• Ensure ROM filenames don't contain numbers before the title, as this can interfere with artwork detection.
• Manually upload missing artwork via the "Upload" function in SRM, using images saved to your Steam Deck's Pictures folder.

Playing Your Games

1. Switch back to Gaming Mode.
2. Access your Game Gear collection in your Steam Library (R1 button for Collections).
3. Select a game and play.

Performance Optimization: To avoid 30 FPS limitations and sound issues:

1. Access the Quick Access Menu (QAM, three dots button).
2. Go to Performance.
3. Enable "Use per-game profile" and set the Frame Limit to 60 FPS.

Enhancing Performance with Decky Loader and Power Tools

For optimal performance:

1. Install Decky Loader from its GitHub page in Desktop Mode. Choose the recommended install. Restart.
2. Install the Power Tools plugin through the Decky Loader store in Gaming Mode.
3. Within Power Tools, disable SMTs, set Threads to 4, enable Manual GPU Clock Control, set GPU Clock Frequency to 1200, and enable Per Game Profile.

Fixing Decky Loader After a Steam Deck Update

If a Steam Deck update removes Decky Loader:

1. Switch to Desktop Mode.
2. Re-download Decky Loader from GitHub. Select "Execute," not "Open."
3. Enter your sudo password (create one if necessary).
4. Restart your Steam Deck.

Enjoy your Game Gear games on your Steam Deck!