Steam Deck: How To Run Sega Game Gear Games

This guide details how to install and play Game Gear games on your Steam Deck using EmuDeck, maximizing performance with Decky Loader and Power Tools. We'll cover setup, ROM transfer, artwork fixes, and troubleshooting post-Steam Deck updates.

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 perfect home on the Steam Deck thanks to EmuDeck. This guide ensures optimal performance and addresses common issues. Updated January 8th, 2025.

Before Installing EmuDeck

Prepare your Steam Deck for optimal emulation.

Enable Developer Mode:

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

Recommended Items:

• A2 MicroSD card (or external HDD with a dock) for ROMs and emulators.
• Keyboard and mouse for easier file management.
• Legally obtained Game Gear ROMs (copies of games you own).

Installing EmuDeck on the Steam Deck

Download and install EmuDeck.

1. Switch to Desktop Mode.
2. Download EmuDeck from its official website.
3. Choose the Steam OS version and "Custom Install."
4. Select 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 Settings:

Within EmuDeck, configure 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

Add your ROMs and integrate them into Steam.

Transfer ROMs:

1. In Desktop Mode, use Dolphin File Manager.
2. Navigate to Primary > Emulation > ROMs > gamegear.
3. Transfer your Game Gear ROMs to this folder.

Steam ROM Manager:

1. Open EmuDeck and launch Steam ROM Manager.
2. Close the Steam Client when prompted.
3. Select Game Gear as the parser.
4. Add your games and parse them.
5. Verify artwork and save to Steam.

Resolving Missing Artwork in EmuDeck

Fix missing or incorrect artwork.

• Use the "Fix" function in Steam ROM Manager.
• Search for the game title (remove any leading numbers from ROM filenames).
• Select the correct artwork and save.
• For truly missing artwork, manually download and upload via Steam ROM Manager.

Playing Game Gear Games on the Steam Deck

Access and optimize your games.

1. Switch to Gaming Mode.
2. Open your Steam Library.
3. Access the Game Gear collection.
4. Select and launch your game.

Performance Settings:

Improve performance by adjusting settings:

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 its GitHub page.
3. Run the installer and choose the Recommended Install.
4. Restart your Steam Deck in Gaming Mode.

Installing the Power Tools Plugin

Install and configure Power Tools.

1. Open the Decky Loader plugin store (via QAM).
2. Install the Power Tools plugin.
3. In Power Tools, disable SMTs and set Threads to 4.
4. In the Performance menu (QAM), 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. Re-download Decky Loader from GitHub.
3. Run the installer (choose "Execute," not "Open").
4. Enter your sudo password.
5. Restart your Steam Deck.

Enjoy your Game Gear games on your Steam Deck!