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Steam Deck: How To Run Game Boy Games

by Simon May 25,2025

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The Steam Deck is a versatile gaming device capable of running modern games while also serving as a powerful tool for retro gaming enthusiasts. Thanks to its PC-like architecture, it's highly customizable, making it an ideal platform for emulating classic games, including those from the original Game Boy. The charm of these retro games lies in their simplicity and the nostalgia they evoke, despite their limited color palettes. 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: Although Game Boy games don't demand much processing power, achieving a seamless emulation experience on the Steam Deck requires optimizing the system. This update includes detailed instructions for installing Decky Loader and the Power Tools plugin, which help control SMTs and enhance performance. Additionally, this guide now covers the steps to restore Decky Loader after a Steam Deck update.

Before Installing EmuDeck

Before diving into the world of Game Boy emulation on your Steam Deck, ensure you have the following essentials:

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

- Legally obtained Game Boy ROMs.

  • A Bluetooth or wired keyboard and mouse for easier navigation and ROM transfer.

Change Developer Mode

To prepare your Steam Deck for EmuDeck installation, enable Developer Mode:

  • Press the Steam button.
  • Navigate to the System menu and toggle Developer Mode on.
  • Open the Developer menu and turn on CEF Debugging.
  • Select the Power option and switch to Desktop Mode.

Download EmuDeck In Desktop Mode

Once in Desktop Mode, set up EmuDeck:

  • Connect your keyboard and mouse.
  • Open a web browser (e.g., DuckDuckGo or Mozilla Firefox) and navigate to the EmuDeck download page.
  • Click 'Download' at the top-right of the page, select 'Steam OS', and download it for free.
  • Click on 'Recommended Settings' and then 'Custom Install'.
  • In the EmuDeck menu, choose the 'Primary' SD card option.
  • You can opt to install all emulators or select RetroArch, Emulation Station, and Steam ROM Manager, then click 'Continue'.
  • Enable 'Auto Save'.
  • Skip through the subsequent screens and select 'Finish' to complete the installation.

Quick Settings

Optimize EmuDeck for your gaming experience:

  • Launch the EmuDeck program and go to 'Quick Settings'.

- Turn 'AutoSave' on.

  • Choose 'Controller Layout Match'.
  • Enable 'Bezels'.
  • Turn on 'Nintendo Classic AR'.
  • Activate 'LCD Handhelds'.

Adding Game Boy Games To The Steam Deck

With EmuDeck installed, you're ready to add your Game Boy games:

  • Use Dolphin File Manager to access your files.
  • Click on 'Primary' under 'Removable Devices' in the left panel.
  • Open the 'Emulation' folder, then 'ROMS', and locate the 'gb' folder.
  • Ensure your ROMs are named correctly (refer to the table below for file naming conventions).
  • Transfer your Game Boy ROMs into the 'gb' folder.
Game Boy File Names

.gb

Steam ROM Manager

Once your ROMs are in place, use Steam ROM Manager to integrate them into your Steam library:

  • Open EmuDeck and select 'Steam ROM Manager' from the left panel.
  • Confirm closing the Steam client and click 'Next'.
  • In the 'Parsers' screen, disable 'Toggle Parsers'.
  • Click on the three Game Boy tabs and select 'Add Games'.
  • After the Steam ROM Manager adds the games and their cover art, click 'Save to Steam'.
  • Wait for the 'Done adding/removing entries' notification, then close the Steam ROM Manager and return to Gaming Mode.

Playing Game Boy Games On The Steam Deck

Now, enjoy your Game Boy games directly from your Steam library:

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

Customize The Game's Colors

Enhance your Game Boy experience with color customization in RetroArch:

Not all Game Boy games support color options.

  • Start a Game Boy game.
  • Press the 'Select' button (two squares above the left analog stick) and the 'Y' button to access the RetroArch menu.
  • Navigate to 'Core Options'.
  • Open 'GB Colorization'.
  • Select 'Auto' for color or 'Off' for a classic Game Boy look.

Using Emulation Station For Game Boy Games

For an alternative way to play your Game Boy games, use Emulation Station:

  • From the Steam button, open the 'Library'.
  • Navigate to the 'Collections' tab.
  • Select the 'Emulators' window.
  • Open the 'Emulation Station' window and select 'Play'.
  • Scroll to the Game Boy icon and press the 'A' button to launch your games.
  • The RetroArch command (Select + Y) works through Emulation Station as well.

Install Decky Loader On The Steam Deck

To optimize your Game Boy emulation experience, install Decky Loader and the Power Tools plugin:

For easier navigation, use a wireless or wired keyboard and mouse, or the onscreen keyboard and trackpads.

  • In Gaming Mode, press the Steam button.
  • Access the 'Power' menu and switch to 'Desktop Mode'.
  • Open a web browser and visit the Decky Loader GitHub page.
  • Click the large 'Download' icon to start the download.
  • After downloading, double-click the launcher and select 'Recommended Install'.
  • Restart your Steam Deck in Gaming Mode once the installation is complete.

Installing The Power Tools Plugin

Enhance your Game Boy games' performance with Power Tools:

  • In Gaming Mode, access the Quick Access Menu (QAM) and select the new plugin icon at the bottom of the side menu.
  • Click the store icon next to the settings cogwheel to open the Decky Store.
  • Search for and install the 'Power Tools' plugin.

Power Tools Settings For Emulated Games

Optimize your settings for smoother gameplay:

  • Launch a Game Boy game from your Steam library.
  • Press the QAM button to open Decky Loader and select the 'Power Tools' menu.
  • Disable 'SMTs'.
  • Set 'Threads' to 4 using the slider.
  • Access the 'Performance' menu via QAM.
  • Enable 'Advanced View'.
  • Turn on 'Manual GPU Clock Control'.
  • Increase 'GPU Clock Frequency' to 1200.
  • Activate 'Per Game Profile' to save customized settings for each game.

Restoring Decky Loader After A Steam Deck Update

Major Steam Deck updates can disrupt third-party apps like Decky Loader. Here’s how to restore it and its plugins:

  • Switch to Desktop Mode via the Steam button and 'Power' menu.
  • Launch a browser and return to the Decky Loader GitHub page.
  • Click 'Download' to start the process again.
  • After downloading, select 'Execute' and enter your pseudo password when prompted.
  • If you haven't set a pseudo password, follow the onscreen instructions to create one.
  • Restart your Steam Deck in Gaming Mode.
  • Check the QAM to ensure Decky Loader and its plugins are restored.

With these steps, you're all set to enjoy Game Boy games on your Steam Deck, enhanced by the larger screen and optimized performance settings. The nostalgia of classic Game Boy gaming is now at your fingertips.

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