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Steam Deck: How To Run Game Boy Games

Author：Kristen Update：Mar 19,2025

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Before Installing EmuDeck
- Change Developer Mode
Download EmuDeck In Desktop Mode
- Quick Settings
Adding Game Boy Games To The Steam Deck
- Steam ROM Manager
Playing Game Boy Games On The Steam Deck
- Customize The Game's Colors
Using Emulation Station For Game Boy Games
Install Decky Loader On The Steam Deck
Installing The Power Tools Plugin
- Power Tools Settings For Emulated Games
Restoring Decky Loader After A Steam Deck Update

The Steam Deck, a powerhouse handheld console, effortlessly runs most modern games. Its PC-like architecture makes it incredibly customizable. With EmuDeck, it transforms into a retro gaming champion, perfectly suited for playing original Game Boy titles.

Even with their age, these classic Game Boy games retain a charm, showcasing the dedication and artistry of their creators, despite the limitations of the original hardware's color palette. This guide walks you through installing EmuDeck and enjoying Game Boy games on your Steam Deck.

Updated January 13, 2024, by Michael Llewellyn: While the Game Boy doesn't demand significant processing power on the Steam Deck, for optimal emulation and a faithful recreation of the classic experience, installing Decky Loader and the Power Tools plugin is recommended for fine-tuned control over settings like SMTs. This updated guide includes the necessary steps for installing Decky Loader and Power Tools, and details how to restore Decky Loader after a Steam Deck update.

Before Installing EmuDeck

Before diving into EmuDeck, gather these essentials:

A fully charged Steam Deck.
An A2 microSD card for storing games and emulators.

- Legally obtained Game Boy ROMs.

A Bluetooth keyboard and mouse for easier ROM browsing and transfer (or a wired set with a Steam Deck docking station).

Change Developer Mode

Press the Steam button.
Navigate to the System menu and enable Developer Mode.
Access the Developer menu and enable CEF Debugging.
Select Power, then Switch to Desktop Mode.
Press the Steam button (below the left trackpad), highlight Power, and select Desktop Mode.

Download EmuDeck In Desktop Mode

- Connect your keyboard and mouse.

In Desktop mode, open a browser (like DuckDuckGo or Firefox) and download EmuDeck.
Click "Download" (top-right), select Steam OS, and choose the free download.
Select "Recommended Settings," then "Custom Install."
Choose the SD card labeled "Primary" in the EmuDeck menu.
Select "Primary" again on the EmuDeck startup screen.
You can install all emulators or select RetroArch, Emulation Station, and Steam ROM Manager; then click "Continue."
Enable "Auto Save."
Skip subsequent screens and select "Finish" to complete the installation.

Quick Settings

Open EmuDeck and select "Quick Settings."

- Enable "AutoSave."

Select "Controller Layout Match."
Enable "Bezels," "Nintendo Classic AR," and "LCD Handhelds."

Adding Game Boy Games To The Steam Deck

With EmuDeck ready, transfer your Game Boy games:

Use Dolphin File Manager to access your files.
Click "Primary" under "Removable Devices" (left panel).
Open the "Emulation" folder, then "ROMs," then the "gb" folder.
Ensure ROMs have the correct file names (.gb).
Transfer your Game Boy ROMs into this folder.

Game Boy File Names

.gb

Steam ROM Manager

With games transferred, reopen EmuDeck:

Click "Steam ROM Manager" (left panel).
Select "Yes" to close the Steam client and click "Next."
Disable "Toggle Parsers."
Click the three Game Boy tabs.
Select "Add Games."
After Steam ROM Manager adds games and cover art, select "Save to Steam."
Wait for the "Done adding/removing entries" message and close Steam ROM Manager.
Exit EmuDeck and return to Gaming Mode.

Playing Game Boy Games On The Steam Deck

Access your games:

Press the Steam button.
Open the Library.
Go to the Collections tab.
Select a Game Boy collection.
Open a game and tap "Play."

Customize The Game's Colors

Some Game Boy games support colorization:

Launch a game.
Press Select + Y to open the RetroArch menu.
Select "Core Options," then "GB Colorization."
Choose "Auto" for automatic colorization or "Off" for accurate Game Boy visuals. (Note: Not all games support this.)

Using Emulation Station For Game Boy Games

Emulation Station offers an alternative launcher:

Press the Steam button.
Open the Library, then the Collections tab.
Select the "Emulators" collection, then "Emulation Station."
Select the Game Boy icon and press A to launch.
The RetroArch command (Select + Y) also works here.

Install Decky Loader On The Steam Deck

For enhanced performance, install Decky Loader and Power Tools:

Press the Steam button, select Power, and switch to Desktop Mode.
Open a browser and go to the Decky Loader GitHub page.
Download and double-click the launcher, choosing "Recommended Install."
Restart the Steam Deck in Gaming Mode.

Installing The Power Tools Plugin

Power Tools optimizes performance:

In Gaming Mode, access the Quick Access Menu (QAM) and select the Decky Loader plugin icon.
Click the store icon to access the Decky Store.
Search for and install Power Tools.