Steam Deck: How To Run Sega Game Gear Games

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 streamlines the process, including optimizing performance with Power Tools via Decky Loader.

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 within the Developer menu.

Recommended Items: An A2 microSD card (or external HDD with dock) for ROMs and emulators is crucial. A keyboard and mouse simplify file transfers and artwork management. Remember to legally acquire your Game Gear ROMs.

Installing EmuDeck on the Steam Deck

Download and install EmuDeck:

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

Quick Settings

Configure EmuDeck's Quick Settings: Ensure "AutoSave" and "Controller Layout Match" are enabled. Set Sega Classic AR to 4:3 and enable "LCD Handhelds."

Transferring Game Gear ROMs and Using Steam ROM Manager

Add your Game Gear ROMs:

1. Access the emulation/roms/gamegear folder on your SD card via Dolphin File Manager.
2. Transfer your ROMs into this folder.
3. Use Steam ROM Manager (within EmuDeck) to add the games to your Steam library. Select the Game Gear parser and follow the on-screen prompts.

Resolving Missing Artwork in EmuDeck

Fix missing artwork:

If artwork is missing or incorrect, use Steam ROM Manager's "Fix" function to search for and apply correct cover art. Ensure ROM filenames don't contain numbers before the game title. Manually upload missing artwork via the Pictures folder if necessary.

Playing Game Gear Games on the Steam Deck

Launch your games:

1. Switch to Gaming Mode.
2. Access your Game Gear collection in the Steam Library.
3. Select a game and play.
4. Adjust in-game settings (QAS button) to set the frame limit to 60 FPS for optimal performance.

Installing Decky Loader on the Steam Deck

Install Decky Loader for enhanced control:

1. Switch to Desktop Mode.
2. Download Decky Loader from its GitHub page.
3. Run the installer, selecting "Recommended Install."
4. Restart your Steam Deck.

Installing the Power Tools Plugin

Install and configure Power Tools:

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

Troubleshooting Decky Loader After a Steam Deck Update

Reinstall Decky Loader after updates:

If Decky Loader disappears after a Steam Deck update, reinstall it from the GitHub page using sudo. This preserves your settings.

Enjoy your Game Gear games on your Steam Deck!