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 for compatibility with EmuDeck updates. Instructions:

1. Access Steam Menu (Steam button).
2. Navigate to System > Developer Mode and enable it.
3. Go to the Developer menu and enable CEF Remote Debugging.
4. Power menu > Desktop Mode.

Essential Requirements:

• High-speed A2 microSD card.
• Formatted microSD card (format within Steam Deck's Storage settings).
• 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), then download EmuDeck. Choose the SteamOS version.
3. Run the installer, select "Custom," choose your microSD card, and select Steam Deck as the target.
4. Select RetroArch, MelonDS, Steam ROM Manager, and Emulation Station (or all emulators).
5. Complete the installation.

Transferring Sega CD Files:

1. Open the Dolphin File Browser (Desktop Mode).
2. Navigate to your microSD card ("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 with Steam ROM Manager:

1. Open EmuDeck, then Steam ROM Manager.
2. Click "Next," then the two Nintendo DS windows (this is a quirk of the interface).
3. Click "Add Games" then "Parse." SRM will prepare your games and artwork.

Handling Missing Covers:

If covers are missing:

1. Select "Fix."
2. Search for the game title.
3. Choose a cover, click to highlight, then "Save and Close."

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

Playing Your Games:

1. Access Steam Library > Collections > Sega CD.
2. Alternatively, use Emulation Station (Non-Steam tab in your Library) for better multi-disc game management and cover scraping (use "Scraper" in Emulation Station's menu).

Installing Decky Loader and Power Tools:

Install Decky Loader from its GitHub page (follow on-screen instructions). Then, use Decky Loader to install Power Tools. Optimal Power Tools settings for Sega CD emulation: disable SMTs, set Threads to 4, enable Manual GPU Clock Control (1200 MHz), and use Per Game Profiles.

Restoring Decky Loader After a Steam Deck Update:

If Decky Loader is removed after an update:

1. Switch to Desktop Mode.
2. Redownload Decky Loader from GitHub.
3. Run the installer using "Execute" (not "Open").
4. Enter your sudo password (create one if prompted).
5. Restart your Steam Deck.

This comprehensive guide should enable you to successfully set up and enjoy your Sega CD games on your Steam Deck.