Sega CD Games Get Emulated Brilliantly on Steam Deck

This guide details how to play Sega CD games on your Steam Deck using EmuDeck. We'll cover setup, ROM transfer, and optimization for optimal performance.

Pre-Installation Steps:

Enable Developer Mode and CEF Remote Debugging on your Steam Deck for compatibility with EmuDeck updates. This involves accessing the Steam menu, navigating to System > Developer, enabling Developer Mode and CEF Remote Debugging, switching to Desktop Mode.

Essential Requirements:

• A fast A2 microSD card for EmuDeck and games. Format this card on your Steam Deck.
• Legally obtained Sega CD ROMs and BIOS files.
• (Optional but recommended) Keyboard and mouse for easier file management.

EmuDeck Installation:

Switch to Desktop Mode. Download a browser (from the Discovery Store), then download EmuDeck. During installation, choose "Custom," select your SD card, and choose RetroArch, MelonDS, Steam ROM Manager, and Emulation Station (or select all emulators). Complete the installation.

Transferring Sega CD Files:

Using your file browser (in Desktop Mode), navigate to your SD card (Primary usually), then Emulation > BIOS to transfer your BIOS files. Next, navigate to Emulation > ROMS > segaCD (or megaCD) and transfer your ROMs.

Adding ROMs to Steam ROM Manager (SRM):

Open EmuDeck, then Steam ROM Manager. Follow the prompts, adding your Sega CD games. SRM will organize your games and download cover art.

Fixing Missing Covers:

If SRM misses any covers, use the "Fix" function, searching for the game title. Alternatively, manually upload missing covers using the "Upload" function in SRM.

Playing Your Games:

Access your Sega CD games through Steam's Library > Collections > Sega CD. For optimal organization and multi-disc game support, use Emulation Station (Library > Non-Steam). Use Emulation Station's scraper to download metadata and artwork.

Decky Loader Installation:

Switch to Desktop Mode. Download Decky Loader from its GitHub page and install using the recommended method. Restart your Steam Deck.

Power Tools Installation and Optimization:

Access Power Tools through Decky Loader's plugin store. Optimize settings by disabling SMTs, setting Threads to 4, enabling Manual GPU Clock Control, and increasing GPU Clock Frequency to 1200 (adjust as needed). Use Per Game Profile to save settings.

Restoring Decky Loader After a Steam Deck Update:

If Decky Loader is removed after an update, reinstall it from GitHub using the "Execute" option in your browser (Desktop Mode). You might need to enter your sudo password.

Enjoy your Sega CD games on your Steam Deck!