Steam Deck: How To Run Sega CD Games

This guide details how to play Sega CD games on your Steam Deck using EmuDeck. It's updated to include Decky Loader and Power Tools for optimal performance, and provides a fix for restoring Decky Loader after a Steam Deck update.

Quick Links

• Developer Mode & Pre-Installation Recommendations

  • Enabling Developer Mode
  • Essential & Recommended Hardware/Software
  • SD Card Formatting

• Downloading EmuDeck

• Transferring Sega CD Files

  • BIOS File Transfer
  • Sega CD ROM Transfer

• Adding ROMs via Steam ROM Manager

• Resolving Missing Covers

  • Adding Downloaded Covers

• Playing Sega CD Games on Steam Deck

  • Utilizing Emulation Station

• Installing Decky Loader

• Installing Power Tools & Optimizing Settings

  • Power Tools Optimal Emulation Settings

• Restoring Decky Loader After a Steam Deck Update

The Sega CD, a Sega Genesis/Megadrive add-on, expanded gaming possibilities with CD-based titles featuring enhanced audio, FMV sequences, and more. EmuDeck on the Steam Deck allows you to revisit this era of gaming.

Updated January 9, 2025 by Michael Llewellyn: This guide is updated to reflect EmuDeck developer recommendations, incorporating Decky Loader and Power Tools for improved performance and including a solution for restoring Decky Loader after Steam Deck updates.

Developer Mode & Pre-Installation Recommendations

Enable Developer Mode and CEF Remote Debugging before installing EmuDeck to maintain compatibility with future updates.

Enabling Developer Mode

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

Essential & Recommended Hardware/Software

• High-speed A2 microSD card for EmuDeck and games.
• Format the SD card on the Steam Deck.
• Legally obtained Sega CD ROMs and BIOS files.
• Optional: Keyboard and mouse for easier file management.

SD Card Formatting

1. Insert the microSD card.
2. Access the Steam menu, navigate to Storage, and format the SD card.

Downloading EmuDeck

1. Access the Steam Menu, select Power, and switch to Desktop Mode.
2. Download a browser from the Discovery Store.
3. Download EmuDeck using the browser. Select the Steam OS version.
4. Run the installer, choosing Custom installation.
5. Select the SD card and Steam Deck as the installation locations.
6. Choose RetroArch, MelonDS, Steam ROM Manager, and Emulation Station (or select all emulators).
7. Complete the installation by selecting Finalize.

Transferring Sega CD Files

Transfer your ROMs and BIOS files to the correct folders.

BIOS File Transfer

1. Open the Dolphin File Browser in Desktop Mode.
2. Select the primary SD card.
3. Navigate to the Emulation > BIOS folder and transfer your BIOS files.

Sega CD ROM Transfer

1. Navigate to the primary SD card > Emulation > ROMS > segaCD (or megaCD) folder.
2. Transfer your Sega CD ROMs into this folder.

Adding ROMs via Steam ROM Manager

Add your Sega CD ROMs to the Steam Deck's game library.

1. Open EmuDeck and launch Steam ROM Manager.
2. Follow the on-screen prompts, adding games and parsing the ROMs.

Resolving Missing Covers

Steam ROM Manager usually handles cover art, but you might need to manually add missing ones.

1. If covers are missing, select Fix. Search for the game title and select a suitable cover.
2. To add downloaded covers, select Upload, locate the image, and save.

Adding Downloaded Covers

Use a Google Image search to find missing covers and follow the steps above.

Playing Sega CD Games on Steam Deck

Access and play your Sega CD games.

1. Access the Steam Library > Collections tab.
2. Locate the Sega CD folder and launch your games.

Utilizing Emulation Station

Emulation Station provides a more organized library experience, especially for multi-disc games.

1. Access the Steam Library > Non-Steam tab.
2. Launch Emulation Station. Use the menu to scrape metadata and cover art from TheGamesDB.

Installing Decky Loader

Decky Loader is recommended for Power Tools and performance optimization.

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

Installing Power Tools & Optimizing Settings

Install Power Tools via Decky Loader.

1. Access Decky Loader via the Quick Access Menu (QAM).
2. Install Power Tools from the Decky Store.
3. Optimize settings within Power Tools (disable SMTs, adjust threads, adjust GPU clock).

Power Tools Optimal Emulation Settings

Adjust settings within Power Tools for optimal performance per game.

Restoring Decky Loader After a Steam Deck Update

If Decky Loader is removed after a Steam Deck update:

1. Switch to Desktop Mode.
2. Re-download Decky Loader from its GitHub page.
3. Run the installer using 'Execute' and provide your sudo password.
4. Restart your Steam Deck in Gaming Mode.

This comprehensive guide ensures you can enjoy your Sega CD collection on your Steam Deck.