This guide details how to install and use EmuDeck to play Sega Game Gear games on your Steam Deck, maximizing performance with Decky Loader and Power Tools.

Before You Begin: Essential Preparations

Before installing EmuDeck, ensure you've taken these steps:

• Enable Developer Mode: Navigate to Steam > System > System Settings > Enable Developer Mode. Then, in the Developer menu, enable CEF Remote Debugging. Restart your Steam Deck.

• Recommended Equipment: An A2 microSD card (or external HDD connected via dock) is crucial for storing ROMs and emulators, freeing up your internal SSD. A keyboard and mouse simplify file transfers and artwork management. Remember to legally obtain your Game Gear ROMs.

Installing EmuDeck

Follow these steps to install EmuDeck:

1. Switch to Desktop Mode (Steam button > Power > Switch to Desktop).
2. Download EmuDeck from its official website.
3. Choose the SteamOS version and "Custom Install."
4. Select your microSD 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 EmuDeck Settings

Within EmuDeck, access Quick Settings and:

• Ensure "AutoSave" is enabled.
• Enable "Controller Layout Match."
• Set Sega Classic AR to 4:3.
• Turn on "LCD Handhelds."

Transferring ROMs and Using Steam ROM Manager

Get your games ready:

1. Transfer your Game Gear ROMs to the /emulation/roms/gamegear folder on your microSD card.
2. Open EmuDeck, then Steam ROM Manager. Close the Steam client when prompted.
3. Select the Game Gear icon, then "Add Games" and "Parse."
4. Review artwork; use the "Fix" function if necessary to correct missing or incorrect covers. If the ROM filename contains numbers before the title, remove them for proper artwork detection.
5. Click "Save to Steam."

Fixing Missing Artwork

If artwork is missing:

1. Search online for the correct cover art.
2. Save the image to the Steam Deck's Pictures folder.
3. In Steam ROM Manager, select "Upload," choose the saved image, and save changes.

Playing Your Games

1. Switch to Gaming Mode.
2. Access your Game Gear collection in the Steam Library (R1 button for Collections).
3. Select a game and play.

Performance Optimization: Game Gear games may default to 30 FPS, causing slowdown. To fix this:

1. Open the Quick Access Menu (QAM).
2. Select Performance.
3. Enable "Use per-game profile" and increase the Frame Limit to 60 FPS.

Installing Decky Loader and Power Tools

For enhanced performance:

1. Switch to Desktop Mode.
2. Download Decky Loader from its GitHub page.
3. Run the installer and choose "Recommended Install."
4. Restart in Gaming Mode.
5. Open Decky Loader's store, find Power Tools, and install it.

Configuring Power Tools

1. Open a Game Gear game.
2. Access Power Tools via the QAM.
3. Disable SMTs.
4. Set Threads to 4.
5. Open the Performance menu (battery icon), enable Advanced View, and enable Manual GPU Clock Control.
6. Set GPU Clock Frequency to 1200.
7. Enable "Per Game Profile."

Fixing Decky Loader After a Steam Deck Update

If a Steam Deck update removes Decky Loader:

1. Switch to Desktop Mode.
2. Re-download Decky Loader.
3. Run the installer using sudo. You may need to create a sudo password if you haven't already.
4. Restart in Gaming Mode.

Enjoy your Game Gear games on your Steam Deck!