Steam Deck: How To Run Game Boy Games

This guide details how to install EmuDeck and play Game Boy games on your Steam Deck, optimizing performance with Decky Loader and Power Tools. The Steam Deck, with its PC-like capabilities, offers exceptional customization for retro gaming.

Before You Begin:

Ensure you have:

• A fully charged Steam Deck.
• An A2 microSD card for game and emulator storage.
• Legally obtained Game Boy ROMs.
• A Bluetooth or wired keyboard and mouse (recommended for easier navigation).

Enable Developer Mode and CEF Debugging within the Steam Deck's system settings, then switch to Desktop Mode.

Installing EmuDeck:

Download EmuDeck from its official website using a desktop browser. Choose a custom installation, selecting your SD card as the primary drive. Select desired emulators (RetroArch, Emulation Station, Steam ROM Manager recommended). Enable Auto Save.

Quick Settings (EmuDeck):

Within EmuDeck, enable AutoSave, Controller Layout Match, Bezels, Nintendo Classic AR, and LCD Handhelds.

Adding Game Boy Games:

Using a file manager (like Dolphin File Manager), navigate to your SD card's Emulation/ROMS/gb folder and transfer your Game Boy ROMs (.gb files). Ensure correct file naming.

Steam ROM Manager Integration:

Use Steam ROM Manager within EmuDeck to add your Game Boy games to your Steam library. Disable Toggle Parsers, add the games, and save to Steam.

Playing Game Boy Games:

Access your Game Boy games through your Steam Library's Collections tab. Launch games and use the RetroArch menu (Select + Y buttons) to customize color settings (GB Colorization).

Emulation Station Alternative:

Alternatively, launch games directly from Emulation Station within the Steam Library.

Optimizing with Decky Loader and Power Tools:

Install Decky Loader from its GitHub page. Then, install the Power Tools plugin via the Decky Store. Within Power Tools, disable SMTs, set threads to 4, and adjust GPU clock frequency (e.g., to 1200 MHz) for enhanced performance. Use Per Game Profiles to save settings for individual titles.

Restoring Decky Loader After Updates:

Steam Deck updates may break Decky Loader. Reinstall it from its GitHub page, using the execute option, and re-enter your pseudo password if prompted.

Enjoy playing your Game Boy games on your Steam Deck! The larger screen provides a significantly improved experience.