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 for compatibility with EmuDeck updates. This involves navigating to Steam > System > Developer Mode and enabling it, then enabling CEF Remote Debugging within the Developer menu. Restart in Desktop Mode.

• Essential Requirements: A high-speed A2 microSD card (for EmuDeck and games), legally obtained Sega CD ROMs and BIOS files, and optionally, a keyboard and mouse for easier navigation.

• SD Card Formatting: Insert your microSD card. Go to Steam > Storage and format the SD card.

EmuDeck Installation:

Switch to Desktop Mode. Download a browser (from the Discovery Store), then download EmuDeck. During installation, choose "Custom" and select RetroArch, MelonDS, Steam ROM Manager, and Emulation Station (or all emulators). Follow the on-screen prompts, selecting your SD card as the installation location.

Transferring Sega CD Files:

Use your file browser (e.g., Dolphin) to transfer your BIOS files to SD Card/Emulation/BIOS and your Sega CD ROMs to SD Card/Emulation/ROMS/segaCD (or megaCD).

Adding ROMs with Steam ROM Manager:

Launch EmuDeck and Steam ROM Manager. Follow the prompts to add your Sega CD games. The manager will attempt to automatically download box art.

Fixing Missing Covers:

If covers are missing, use Steam ROM Manager's "Fix" function to search for and download them. Manually upload images if necessary.

Playing Your Games:

Access your Sega CD games through Steam's Library > Collections > Sega CD. Alternatively, use Emulation Station (found in Library > Non-Steam) for a more organized library experience. Use Emulation Station's scraper function for improved metadata.

Decky Loader Installation:

Switch to Desktop Mode. Download Decky Loader from its GitHub page and install using the recommended method. Restart your Steam Deck in Gaming Mode.

Power Tools Installation and Optimization:

Use Decky Loader to install Power Tools. Optimize settings within Power Tools (disable SMTs, set threads to 4, adjust GPU clock if needed) for improved performance. Use Per Game Profile to save settings for individual games.

Restoring Decky Loader After a Steam Deck Update:

If Decky Loader is removed after a Steam Deck update, download it again from GitHub, run the installer, and restart your Steam Deck.

This comprehensive guide ensures a smooth Sega CD emulation experience on your Steam Deck.