Run Sega CD Games Seamlessly on Steam Deck

This guide details how to play Sega CD games on your Steam Deck using EmuDeck. It covers pre-installation steps, EmuDeck installation, ROM and BIOS transfer, ROM management, cover art fixes, gameplay, and troubleshooting.

Pre-Installation:

Enable Developer Mode and CEF Remote Debugging on your Steam Deck for compatibility. You'll need a high-speed A2 microSD card (formatted on the Steam Deck), legally obtained Sega CD ROMs and BIOS files, and optionally a keyboard/mouse.

EmuDeck Installation:

Switch to Desktop Mode, download a browser (from the Discovery Store), download EmuDeck, and run the installer, selecting Custom installation to your SD card. Choose RetroArch, MelonDS, Steam ROM Manager, and Emulation Station (or select all emulators).

Transferring Files:

Using Dolphin File Manager (in Desktop Mode), transfer your BIOS files to SD Card/Emulation/BIOS and your Sega CD ROMs to SD Card/Emulation/ROMS/segaCD (or megaCD).

Adding ROMs to Steam:

Open EmuDeck, launch Steam ROM Manager, and add your Sega CD games. Use the "Parse" function to automatically add game metadata and covers.

Fixing Missing Covers:

Steam ROM Manager usually handles cover art, but for missing covers, use the "Fix" function or manually upload images via the "Upload" option.

Playing Your Games:

Access your Sega CD games in Gaming Mode via the Steam Library's Collections tab. Emulation Station (if installed) provides an alternative, organized library. Use Emulation Station's scraper function for improved metadata and cover art.

Decky Loader Installation:

Install Decky Loader (from its GitHub page) for enhanced functionality and access to Power Tools.

Power Tools Installation and Optimization:

Use Decky Loader to install Power Tools. Optimize settings (disable SMTs, set Threads to 4, adjust GPU clock) for improved emulation performance.

Fixing Decky Loader After Updates:

If Decky Loader is removed after a Steam Deck update, reinstall it from the GitHub page using the "Execute" option in Desktop Mode.

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