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The Steam Deck is a powerful handheld device that not only runs modern games but also excels in emulating retro games, including classics from the original Game Boy. Thanks to its PC-like architecture, it offers immense customization, making it an ideal platform for enthusiasts looking to dive into nostalgia. With EmuDeck, you can transform your Steam Deck into a versatile retro gaming machine. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to install EmuDeck and enjoy Game Boy games on your Steam Deck.
Updated January 13, 2024, by Michael Llewellyn: Playing Game Boy games on the Steam Deck doesn't demand much power, yet achieving a perfect emulation experience requires additional tweaks. The developers suggest installing Decky Loader and the Power Tools plugin to fine-tune settings like SMTs. This guide has been updated to include detailed steps for installing Decky Loader and Power Tools, as well as instructions for restoring Decky Loader after a Steam Deck update.
Before Installing EmuDeck
To get started with EmuDeck and run your Game Boy games smoothly, ensure you have the following:
- A fully charged Steam Deck.
- An A2 microSD card for storing games and emulators.
- Legally acquired Game Boy ROMs.
- A Bluetooth or wired keyboard and mouse for navigating and transferring ROMs (a docking system can be used with a wired setup).
Change Developer Mode
To prepare your Steam Deck for EmuDeck:
- Press the Steam button.
- Navigate to the System menu and enable Developer Mode.
- Within the Developer menu, turn on CEF Debugging.
- Access the Power menu and select Switch to Desktop Mode.
Download EmuDeck In Desktop Mode
Once in Desktop Mode, follow these steps to download and install EmuDeck:
- Connect a keyboard and mouse to your Steam Deck.
- Open a web browser (such as DuckDuckGo or Mozilla Firefox) and go to the EmuDeck website.
- Click the "Download" button at the top-right corner, then select "Steam OS" and "Download for Free."
- Choose "Recommended Settings," then opt for "Custom Install."
- In the EmuDeck menu, select the SD card icon labeled "Primary."
- Decide whether to install all emulators or select specific ones like RetroArch, Emulation Station, and Steam ROM Manager, then click "Continue."
- Enable Auto Save.
- Skip the subsequent screens and click "Finish" to complete the installation.
Quick Settings
- Launch the EmuDeck program and navigate to Quick Settings.
- Turn AutoSave On.
- Select Controller Layout Match.
- Enable Bezels.
- Turn on Nintendo Classic AR.
- Activate LCD Handhelds.
Adding Game Boy Games To The Steam Deck
With EmuDeck installed, it's time to add your Game Boy games:
- Use the Dolphin File Manager to access your files.
- Click on "Primary" under Removable Devices on the left panel.
- Navigate to the Emulation folder, then open ROMS.
- Find and open the "gb" folder.
- Ensure your ROMs have the correct file extension (see the table below for reference).
- Transfer your Game Boy files into this folder.
.gb
Steam ROM Manager
After placing your games in the correct folder:
- Reopen the EmuDeck program and click on "Steam ROM Manager" on the left panel.
- Confirm closing the Steam client by selecting "Yes" and click "Next."
- In the Parsers screen, toggle off "Toggle Parsers."
- Click on the three Game Boy tabs and select "Add Games."
- Once Steam ROM Manager adds the games and their cover art, click "Save to Steam."
- Wait for the "Done adding/removing entries" notification and close Steam ROM Manager.
- Exit EmuDeck and return to Gaming Mode.
Playing Game Boy Games On The Steam Deck
To play your Game Boy games:
- Press the Steam button.
- Open the Library.
- Navigate to the Collections tab.
- Choose a Game Boy game window.
- Select a game and press Play.
Customize The Game's Colors
Some Game Boy games have built-in color options, which you can enhance through RetroArch:
- Launch a Game Boy game.
- Press the Select button above the left analog stick and the Y button to open the RetroArch menu.
- Go to Core Options.
- Navigate to GB Colorization.
- Choose "Auto" for color enhancement or "Off" for a classic monochrome experience.
Note: Not all Game Boy games support color customization.
Using Emulation Station For Game Boy Games
While you can access Game Boy games through the Steam Library, Emulation Station provides an alternative:
- Press the Steam button.
- Open the Library and go to the Collections tab.
- Select the "Emulators" window.
- Navigate to "Emulation Station" and press Play.
- Scroll to the Game Boy icon and press the A button to launch your games.
- The RetroArch menu can also be accessed using the Select and Y buttons in Emulation Station.
Install Decky Loader On The Steam Deck
For optimal performance when playing Game Boy games, consider installing Decky Loader and the Power Tools plugin:
- In Gaming Mode, press the Steam button and switch to Desktop Mode via the Power menu.
- Open a web browser and visit the Decky Loader GitHub page.
- Click the large Download icon to start downloading.
- Once downloaded, double-click the launcher and select "Recommended Install."
- After installation, restart your Steam Deck in Gaming Mode.
Installing The Power Tools Plugin
To enhance your gaming experience with Power Tools:
- In Gaming Mode, access the Quick Access Menu (QAM) and find the new plugin icon.
- Click the store icon next to the settings cogwheel to enter the Decky Store.
- Search for and install the Power Tools plugin.
Power Tools Settings For Emulated Games
To optimize your Game Boy games:
- Launch a Game Boy game from the Library or Non-Steam list.
- Press the QAM button to open Decky Loader and select the Power Tools menu.
- Choose "Turn off SMTs."
- Set the Threads to 4 using the slider.
- Access the Performance menu via QAM, then click "Enable Advance View."
- Turn on "Manual GPU Clock Control."
- Increase the GPU Clock Frequency to 1200.
- Enable "Per Game Profile" to save customized settings for each game.
Restoring Decky Loader After A Steam Deck Update
Steam Deck updates may affect third-party apps like Decky Loader. To restore it:
- Switch to Desktop Mode via the Steam button and Power menu.
- Launch a browser and revisit the Decky Loader GitHub page.
- Click the Download button and select "Execute" (avoid clicking "Open").
- Enter your pseudo password when prompted.
- If you haven't set a pseudo password yet, follow the onscreen instructions to create one.
- Restart your Steam Deck in Gaming Mode.
- Verify that Decky Loader and its plugins, including Power Tools, are restored by accessing the QAM.
By following these steps, you can enjoy Game Boy games on your Steam Deck with optimized settings. The larger screen and customization options make it an excellent choice for reliving classic gaming moments.
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