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 optimization for optimal performance.

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. Go 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 high-speed 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.
• (Optional but recommended) Keyboard and mouse for easier navigation.

Installing EmuDeck:

1. Switch to Desktop Mode.
2. Download a browser (from the Discovery Store).
3. Download EmuDeck, selecting the SteamOS version.
4. Run the installer, choosing Custom installation.
5. Select your microSD 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. Open the Dolphin File Manager (in Desktop Mode).
2. Navigate to your microSD card (usually labeled "Primary").
3. Go to Emulation > BIOS and transfer your BIOS files.
4. 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. Follow the on-screen prompts.
3. Click "Add Games" then "Parse" to let Steam ROM Manager organize your games and covers.

Handling Missing Covers:

If covers are missing:

1. Click "Fix" in Steam ROM Manager.
2. Search for the game title.
3. Select a cover and click "Save and Close".

Manually add covers if needed using the "Upload" function.

Playing Your Sega CD Games:

1. Access Steam Library.
2. Go to the "Collections" tab.
3. Open the Sega CD folder to launch your games.

Using Emulation Station (Recommended for multi-disc games):

1. Access Steam Library > Non-Steam.
2. Launch Emulation Station.
3. Use the Scraper function to download metadata and artwork.

Installing Decky Loader and Power Tools:

1. Switch to Desktop Mode.
2. Download Decky Loader from its GitHub page.
3. Run the installer, choosing "Recommended Install."
4. Restart in Gaming Mode.
5. Open Decky Loader (QAM button).
6. Install Power Tools from the Decky Store.
7. Optimize Power Tools settings (disable SMTs, set Threads to 4, adjust GPU clock in Performance menu).

Restoring Decky Loader After a Steam Deck Update:

If Decky Loader is lost after an update:

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

Enjoy your Sega CD games!