Steam Deck: How to Emulate 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.

I. 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. Go to System > Developer Mode and enable it.
3. In the Developer menu, enable CEF Remote Debugging.
4. Power Menu > Desktop Mode.

Required:

• High-speed A2 microSD card.
• Formatted microSD card (instructions below).
• Legally obtained Sega CD ROMs and BIOS files.
• Optional: Keyboard and mouse for easier navigation.

Format microSD Card:

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

II. Installing EmuDeck:

1. Steam button > Power > Desktop Mode.
2. Download a browser (from Discovery Store).
3. Download EmuDeck, selecting the SteamOS version.
4. Run the installer, choose Custom installation.
5. Select your microSD card as the installation location.
6. Choose RetroArch, MelonDS, Steam ROM Manager, and Emulation Station (or select all emulators).
7. Complete the installation.

III. Transferring Sega CD Files:

BIOS Files:

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

ROMs:

1. Navigate to your microSD card (Primary).
2. Go to Emulation > ROMS > segaCD (or megaCD).
3. Transfer your Sega CD ROMs.

IV. Adding ROMs with Steam ROM Manager:

1. Open EmuDeck.
2. Open Steam ROM Manager (left panel).
3. Click Next, then click on both Nintendo DS windows (this step might seem odd but is necessary).
4. Click "Add Games" then "Parse".
5. Steam ROM Manager will prepare your games and covers.

V. Fixing Missing Covers:

If covers are missing:

1. Click "Fix".
2. Search for the game title.
3. Select a cover, then "Save and Close".

To manually add covers:

1. Click "Upload".
2. Select your downloaded cover image.
3. Click "Save and Close".

VI. Playing Your Games:

1. Steam button > Library > Collections.
2. Open the Sega CD folder and launch your games.

Using Emulation Station:

1. Steam button > Library > Non-Steam.
2. Launch Emulation Station. Use the scraper function for metadata and cover art.

VII. 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. Optimize settings within Power Tools (disable SMTs, adjust threads, adjust GPU clock if desired).

VIII. Fixing Decky Loader After a Steam Deck Update:

Reinstall Decky Loader from its GitHub page if it's removed after a Steam Deck update. Use the "Execute" option in your browser.

This comprehensive guide ensures a smooth Sega CD gaming experience on your Steam Deck. Remember to always use legally obtained ROMs.