This guide details how to install EmuDeck and play Game Boy games on your Steam Deck, enhancing performance with Decky Loader and Power Tools. The Steam Deck, a powerful handheld, is highly customizable, making it ideal for retro gaming.
Before You Begin:
You'll need:
- A fully charged Steam Deck.
- An A2 microSD card for games and emulators.
- Legally obtained Game Boy ROMs.
- A Bluetooth or wired keyboard and mouse (recommended for easier navigation).
Enable Developer Mode and CEF Debugging in the Steam Deck's System settings, then switch to Desktop Mode.
Installing EmuDeck:
In Desktop Mode, download EmuDeck from its official website. Choose a custom install, selecting your SD card as the primary installation location. Select desired emulators (RetroArch, Emulation Station, Steam ROM Manager recommended). Enable AutoSave.
Quick Settings (EmuDeck):
Within EmuDeck, enable AutoSave, Controller Layout Match, Bezels, Nintendo Classic AR, and LCD Handhelds.
Adding Game Boy Games:
Using Dolphin File Manager, navigate to your SD card's Emulation/ROMS/gb folder and transfer your .gb ROM files. Ensure correct filenames.
Steam ROM Manager:
Use Steam ROM Manager within EmuDeck to add your Game Boy games to your Steam library. Disable Toggle Parsers, add games, and save to Steam.
Playing Game Boy Games:
Access your Game Boy games through your Steam Library's Collections tab. Launch games and use the RetroArch menu (Select + Y buttons) to customize color settings (GB Colorization).
Emulation Station:
Alternatively, launch games via Emulation Station within the Steam Library's Collections tab. The RetroArch menu is also accessible here.
Installing Decky Loader and Power Tools:
Install Decky Loader from its GitHub page in Desktop Mode. Then, use the Decky Store to install the Power Tools plugin.
Power Tools Settings:
In Power Tools, disable SMTs, set threads to 4, enable advanced view in the Performance menu, manually set GPU clock frequency to 1200, and utilize per-game profiles.
Restoring Decky Loader After a Steam Deck Update:
After a Steam Deck update, reinstall Decky Loader from its GitHub page in Desktop Mode. This will restore your plugins and settings.
Enjoy playing your Game Boy games on your Steam Deck! The larger screen significantly enhances the retro gaming experience.
