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: Developer Mode & Essentials

Before starting, enable Developer Mode and CEF Remote Debugging on your Steam Deck for compatibility with EmuDeck updates.

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

Essential Items:

• A fast A2 microSD card for EmuDeck and games. (Format this card on the Steam Deck.)
• Legally obtained Sega CD ROMs and BIOS files.
• A keyboard and mouse (recommended for easier file transfers).

Formatting your SD Card:

1. Insert the microSD card.
2. Access Steam Menu > Storage > Format SD Card.

Downloading and Installing EmuDeck

1. Switch to Desktop Mode (Steam button > Power > Desktop Mode).
2. Download a browser from the Discovery Store.
3. Download EmuDeck from its official website, selecting the SteamOS version.
4. Run the installer, choose Custom installation, and select your SD card as the target location.
5. Select RetroArch, MelonDS, Steam ROM Manager, and Emulation Station (or all emulators for future use).
6. Complete the installation.

Transferring Sega CD Files

BIOS Files:

1. Open the Dolphin File Browser in Desktop Mode.
2. Navigate to your SD card (Primary).
3. Go to Emulation > BIOS and transfer your BIOS files.

Sega CD ROMs:

1. Navigate to your SD card (Primary).
2. Go to Emulation > ROMS > segaCD (or megaCD).
3. Transfer your ROMs to this folder.

Adding ROMs with Steam ROM Manager

1. Open EmuDeck.
2. Open Steam ROM Manager from the left panel.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts, adding your Sega CD games and parsing the data.

Fixing Missing Covers

If covers are missing:

1. In Steam ROM Manager, click "Fix."
2. Search for the game title.
3. Select a cover and click "Save and Close."

To manually add covers:

1. Click "Upload" in Steam ROM Manager.
2. Select your downloaded cover image.
3. Click "Save and Close."

Playing Your Sega CD Games

1. Switch to Gaming Mode.
2. Go to Library > Collections > Sega CD.
3. Select and launch your game.

Using Emulation Station:

1. Go to Library > Non-Steam > Emulation Station.
2. Launch Emulation Station. This is ideal for multi-disc games. Use the Scraper function for metadata and cover art.

Installing Decky Loader and Power Tools

Install Decky Loader (follow the instructions on the GitHub page). Then, use Decky Loader to install Power Tools. Optimize settings within Power Tools for best performance (consider disabling SMTs, adjusting threads, and manually setting GPU clock frequency).

Fixing Decky Loader After a Steam Deck Update

If Decky Loader is removed after an update, reinstall it from the GitHub page using the Execute option in your browser.

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