Play Sega CD Classics 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. Instructions:

1. Access Steam Menu (Steam button).
2. Navigate to System > Developer Mode and enable it.
3. In the Developer menu, enable CEF Remote Debugging.
4. Power down and restart in Desktop Mode.

Essential Requirements:

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

Downloading and Installing EmuDeck:

1. Switch to Desktop Mode (Steam button > Power > Desktop Mode).
2. Download a browser (from the Discovery Store).
3. Download EmuDeck via your browser, selecting the SteamOS version.
4. Run the installer, choosing Custom installation.
5. Select your SD card as the installation location.
6. Choose RetroArch, MelonDS, Steam ROM Manager, and Emulation Station (or select all emulators).
7. Complete the installation.

Transferring Sega CD Files:

1. Access your SD card (Primary) using the Dolphin File Browser in Desktop Mode.
2. Navigate to the Emulation/BIOS folder and transfer your BIOS files.
3. Navigate to Emulation/ROMS/segaCD (or megaCD) and transfer your ROMs.

Adding ROMs to Steam ROM Manager:

1. Open EmuDeck and launch Steam ROM Manager.
2. Click "Next," then "Add Games," and finally "Parse."
3. Steam ROM Manager will organize your games and download cover art.

Fixing Missing Covers:

For missing cover art:

1. Click "Fix."
2. Search for the game title.
3. Select a cover, click "Save and Close."

To manually add covers:

1. Click "Upload."
2. Select your downloaded cover image.
3. Click "Save and Close."

Playing Sega CD Games:

1. Switch to Gaming Mode.
2. Open your Steam Library > Collections.
3. Find your Sega CD games and launch them.

Alternatively, use Emulation Station:

1. Steam Library > Non-Steam.
2. Launch Emulation Station. Use the Scraper function for metadata and cover art.

Installing Decky Loader and Power Tools:

1. Switch to Desktop Mode.
2. Download Decky Loader from its GitHub page.
3. Run the installer, selecting "Recommended Install." Restart in Gaming Mode.
4. Open Decky Loader (QAM button), go to the store, and install Power Tools.
5. Configure Power Tools (disable SMTs, set Threads to 4, adjust GPU clock in Performance settings).

Fixing Decky Loader After a Steam Deck Update:

If Decky Loader is missing after an update:

1. Switch to Desktop Mode.
2. Re-download Decky Loader from GitHub.
3. Run the installer (you may need to enter your sudo password).
4. Restart in Gaming Mode.

Enjoy your Sega CD games on your Steam Deck!