Steam Deck: How To Run Sega CD Games

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

Pre-Installation Steps:

Enable Developer Mode and CEF Remote Debugging on your Steam Deck to ensure compatibility with EmuDeck updates. Instructions:

1. Access Steam Menu (Steam button).
2. Navigate to System > Developer Mode and enable it.
3. Go to the Developer menu and 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 the Steam Deck (Steam Menu > Storage > Format SD Card).
• Legally obtained Sega CD ROMs and BIOS files.
• A keyboard and mouse (recommended for easier file transfer).

Installing EmuDeck:

1. Switch to Desktop Mode.
2. Download a browser (from the Discovery Store) and download EmuDeck. Choose the SteamOS version.
3. Run the installer, select Custom installation, and choose your SD card as the destination.
4. Select RetroArch, MelonDS, Steam ROM Manager, and Emulation Station (or all emulators).
5. Complete the installation.

Transferring Sega CD Files:

1. Open the Dolphin File Browser (Desktop Mode).
2. Navigate to your SD card (Primary).
3. Go to the Emulation folder, then BIOS, and transfer your BIOS files.
4. Navigate to Emulation > ROMS > segaCD (or megaCD) and transfer your ROMs.

Adding ROMs with Steam ROM Manager:

1. Launch EmuDeck and open Steam ROM Manager.
2. Click "Next," then through the Nintendo DS windows.
3. Click "Add Games" and "Parse." SRM will prepare your games and covers.

Fixing Missing Covers:

If covers are missing:

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

To manually add covers:

1. Click "Upload," locate your image, and click "Save and Close."

Playing Sega CD Games:

1. Access Steam Library > Collections > Sega CD.
2. Launch your games.

Using Emulation Station:

Emulation Station (installed earlier) provides a better organized library. Access it via Steam Library > Non-Steam. Use its scraper for metadata and cover art.

Installing Decky Loader and Power Tools:

Install Decky Loader (from its GitHub page) and then use it to install the Power Tools plugin from the Decky Store. Optimize Power Tools settings (disable SMTs, set threads to 4, adjust GPU clock if needed) for better performance.

Fixing Decky Loader After a Steam Deck Update:

Reinstall Decky Loader from its GitHub page if it's removed after a Steam Deck update. You'll need to use sudo (enter your password).

This comprehensive guide should allow you to successfully play your Sega CD games on your Steam Deck.