How to Play Sega Game Gear Games on Steam Deck

This guide explains how to play Sega Game Gear games on your Steam Deck using EmuDeck, enhancing performance with Decky Loader and Power Tools. We'll cover setup, ROM transfer, artwork fixes, and troubleshooting post-Steam Deck updates.

The Game Gear, Sega's 90s handheld, boasted a full-color screen and innovative features like Master System game compatibility and a TV tuner. While not as enduring as the Game Boy, its games now shine on the Steam Deck thanks to EmuDeck. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough.

Updated January 8th, 2025, by Michael Llewellyn: This updated guide emphasizes optimal performance through Decky Loader and Power Tools, ensuring a smooth Game Gear experience on your Steam Deck.

Before Installing EmuDeck

Before installing EmuDeck, prepare your Steam Deck:

Activate Developer Mode

Press the Steam button.
Access the System menu.
In System Settings, enable Developer Mode.
Navigate to the Developer menu.
Under Miscellaneous, enable CEF Remote Debugging.
Restart your Steam Deck.

Essential Tools

External Storage: An A2 microSD card is recommended for storing ROMs and emulators, keeping your internal SSD free for Steam games and apps. An external HDD is an alternative, requiring a Steam Deck dock.
Keyboard and Mouse (Optional but Recommended): Simplifies file transfers and artwork management.
Legally Obtained ROMs: Ensure you legally own copies of any Game Gear games you intend to emulate.

Installing EmuDeck on Your Steam Deck

Let's install EmuDeck:

Switch to Desktop Mode on your Steam Deck.
Open a web browser and download EmuDeck from its official website.
Select the SteamOS version and choose Custom Install.
Select your microSD card (usually labeled "Primary") as the installation location.
Choose your desired emulators (RetroArch, EmulationStation, Steam ROM Manager are recommended).
Enable Auto Save.
Complete the installation.

Quick Settings (EmuDeck)

Open EmuDeck and go to Quick Settings.
Ensure AutoSave is enabled.
Enable Controller Layout Match.
Set Sega Classic AR to 4:3.
Turn on LCD Handhelds.

Transferring Game Gear ROMs and Using Steam ROM Manager

Time to add your ROMs:

Transferring ROMs

Open Dolphin File Manager in Desktop Mode.
Navigate to your microSD card ("Primary").
Go to the Emulation/ROMs/gamegear folder.
Transfer your Game Gear ROMs into this folder.

Steam ROM Manager

Open EmuDeck and launch Steam ROM Manager.
Close the Steam client when prompted.
Follow the on-screen instructions, selecting the Game Gear icon and adding your games.
Verify artwork and save to Steam.

Fixing Missing Artwork in EmuDeck

If artwork is missing:

Use the "Fix" function in Steam ROM Manager to search for and download missing artwork.
Ensure ROM filenames don't contain numbers before the game title, as this can interfere with artwork detection. Rename as needed.
Manually upload missing artwork by finding the image online, saving it to your Steam Deck's Pictures folder, and then uploading it through Steam ROM Manager.

Playing Game Gear Games on the Steam Deck

Switch to Gaming Mode.
Open your Steam Library.
Go to the Collections tab (R1 button).
Select your Game Gear game and play.

Performance Settings

To avoid 30 FPS slowdown:

Open the Quick Access Menu (QAM).
Go to Performance.
Enable "Use per-game profile."
Set the Frame Limit to 60 FPS.

Installing Decky Loader on Your Steam Deck

Decky Loader enhances performance further:

Switch to Desktop Mode.
Download Decky Loader from its GitHub page.
Run the installer and choose "Recommended Install."
Restart your Steam Deck in Gaming Mode.

Installing the Power Tools Plugin

In Gaming Mode, open the QAM and the Decky Loader plugin.
Open the Decky Store and install the Power Tools plugin.
Configure Power Tools (disable SMTs, set threads to 4, adjust GPU clock as needed – see guide for details).

Troubleshooting Decky Loader After a Steam Deck Update

If Decky Loader disappears after an update:

Switch to Desktop Mode.
Reinstall Decky Loader from its GitHub page using the Execute option (not Open). You'll need your sudo password.
Restart your Steam Deck.

Enjoy your enhanced Game Gear gaming experience on your Steam Deck!