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 Game Gear, Sega's 90s handheld, boasted a full-color screen and innovative features like Master System game compatibility and a TV tuner. While not as enduring as the Game Boy, its games are readily playable on the Steam Deck via EmuDeck. This guide covers the setup process and performance optimization.

Updated January 8th, 2025, by Michael Llewellyn: This updated guide incorporates the EmuDeck developers' recommendation to utilize Power Tools via Decky Loader for optimal performance. It includes steps for installing both, along with a fix for maintaining compatibility after Steam Deck updates.

Before Installing EmuDeck

Before installing EmuDeck, prepare your Steam Deck with these steps:

Enabling Developer Mode

1. Press the Steam button.
2. Access the System menu.
3. In System Settings, enable Developer Mode.
4. Navigate to the new Developer menu.
5. Within the Developer menu, find Miscellaneous.
6. Enable CEF Remote Debugging.
7. Press the Steam button.
8. Restart the Steam Deck via the Power menu.

Recommended Items

• A2 MicroSD card (or external HDD) for storing emulators and ROMs to keep your internal SSD free for Steam games and apps. Note that an external HDD requires a Steam Deck dock.
• Keyboard and mouse for easier file transfers and artwork management.
• Legally obtained Game Gear ROMs (copies of games you own).

Installing EmuDeck on the Steam Deck

Now, download and install EmuDeck:

1. Press the Steam button.
2. Switch to Desktop Mode from the Power menu.
3. Open a web browser.
4. Visit the EmuDeck website and download the program.
5. Choose the Steam OS version and select Custom Install.
6. Select your SD card (Primary) as the installation location.
7. Choose your desired emulators (RetroArch, Emulation Station, Steam ROM Manager are recommended). Click Continue.
8. Enable Auto Save.
9. Complete the installation.

Quick Settings

1. Open EmuDeck and access Quick Settings.
2. Ensure AutoSave is enabled.
3. Enable Controller Layout Match.
4. Set Sega Classic AR to 4:3.
5. Turn on LCD Handhelds.

Transferring Game Gear ROMs and Using Steam ROM Manager

Add your ROMs and integrate them into your Steam library:

Transferring ROMs

1. Open Dolphin File Manager in Desktop Mode.
2. Navigate to Primary (under Removable Devices).
3. Go to the Emulation > ROMs > gamegear folder.
4. Transfer your ROMs into this folder.

Using Steam ROM Manager

1. Open EmuDeck.
2. Access Steam ROM Manager.
3. Close the Steam Client (if prompted).
4. Select the Game Gear icon on the Parsers screen.
5. Add your games and parse them.
6. Verify artwork and save to Steam.

Resolving Missing Artwork in EmuDeck

Fix missing or incorrect artwork:

• If artwork is missing or incorrect, click "Fix."
• Search for the game title.
• Select the correct cover art, save, and save to Steam.
• Ensure ROM filenames don't contain numbers before the title, as this can interfere with artwork detection. Rename if necessary.

Uploading Missing Artwork Manually

1. Open a browser in Desktop Mode.
2. Find the missing artwork online and save it to the Steam Deck's Pictures folder.
3. In EmuDeck's Steam ROM Manager, click "Upload" for the affected game.
4. Select the saved image and save to Steam.

Playing Game Gear Games on the Steam Deck

Access and play your games:

1. Switch to Gaming Mode.
2. Open the Steam Library.
3. Access the Collections tab (R1 button).
4. Select your Game Gear game and play.

Performance Settings

Adjust settings for optimal performance:

1. Open the Quick Access Menu (QAM).
2. Select Performance.
3. Enable per-game profiles.
4. Set the Frame Limit to 60 FPS.

Installing Decky Loader on the Steam Deck

Install Decky Loader for enhanced control:

1. Switch to Desktop Mode.
2. Download Decky Loader from the GitHub page.
3. Double-click the launcher and choose Recommended Install.
4. Restart the Steam Deck in Gaming Mode.

Installing the Power Tools Plugin

Install and configure Power Tools:

1. In Gaming Mode, open the QAM.
2. Open the Decky Loader plugin menu.
3. Access the Decky Store and install Power Tools.
4. In Power Tools, disable SMTs and set Threads to 4.
5. In the Performance menu, enable Advanced View, Manual GPU Clock Control, set GPU Clock Frequency to 1200, and enable Per Game Profile.

Troubleshooting Decky Loader After a Steam Deck Update

Restore Decky Loader after a Steam Deck update:

1. Switch to Desktop Mode.
2. Download Decky Loader from GitHub.
3. Run the downloaded file (select Execute, not Open).
4. Enter your sudo password.
5. Restart the Steam Deck in Gaming Mode.

Enjoy your Game Gear games on your Steam Deck!