This guide details how to install and utilize EmuDeck on your Steam Deck to play Sega Game Gear games, optimizing performance with Decky Loader and Power Tools.

Before You Begin: Essential Preparations

Before installing EmuDeck, ensure you've taken these steps:

• Enable Developer Mode: Navigate to Steam > System > System Settings > Enable Developer Mode. Restart your Steam Deck after enabling CEF Remote Debugging within the Developer menu.

• Essential Equipment: An A2 microSD card (or external HDD connected via a dock) is crucial for storing ROMs and emulators, freeing up your internal SSD. A keyboard and mouse simplify file transfers and artwork management. Remember to legally obtain your Game Gear ROMs.

Installing EmuDeck

Follow these steps to install EmuDeck:

1. Switch to Desktop Mode (Steam button > Power > Switch to Desktop).
2. Download EmuDeck from their website.
3. Select the SteamOS version and "Custom Install."
4. Choose your microSD card (Primary) as the installation location.
5. Select your desired emulators (RetroArch, Emulation Station, Steam ROM Manager are recommended).
6. Enable "Auto Save" and complete the installation.

Quick EmuDeck Settings

Within EmuDeck, access "Quick Settings" and configure the following:

• Ensure "AutoSave" is enabled.
• Enable "Controller Layout Match."
• Set "Sega Classic AR" to 4:3.
• Turn "LCD Handhelds" On.

Transferring ROMs and Using Steam ROM Manager

Add your Game Gear ROMs and integrate them into your Steam Library:

1. Transfer your ROMs to /emulation/roms/gamegear on your microSD card using Dolphin File Manager.
2. Open EmuDeck and launch Steam ROM Manager.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts, selecting the Game Gear parser.
4. Add your games and ensure artwork is correctly assigned before saving to Steam.

Fixing Missing Artwork

If artwork is missing or incorrect:

• Use the "Fix" function in Steam ROM Manager, searching by game title.
• Remove any numbers preceding the game title in the ROM filename, as this can interfere with artwork detection.
• Manually upload missing artwork via a browser, saving the image to the Steam Deck's "Pictures" folder, then uploading it through Steam ROM Manager.

Playing Your Games

1. Switch to Gaming Mode.
2. Access your Game Gear collection in the Steam Library (R1 button for Collections).
3. Select a game and play. Adjust the in-game settings to 60 FPS for optimal performance (QAS button > Performance > Use per-game profile > Frame Limit: 60 FPS).

Enhancing Performance with Decky Loader and Power Tools

For enhanced performance, install Decky Loader and the Power Tools plugin:

1. Install Decky Loader from its GitHub page (use Recommended Install).
2. Restart your Steam Deck.
3. Install the Power Tools plugin through the Decky Loader store.
4. Configure Power Tools (Decky Loader > Power Tools): Disable SMTs, set Threads to 4, enable Manual GPU Clock Control (1200 MHz), and use per-game profiles.

Restoring Decky Loader After a Steam Deck Update

If a Steam Deck update removes Decky Loader:

1. Switch to Desktop Mode.
2. Re-download Decky Loader from GitHub.
3. Run the downloaded file (select "Execute," not "Open"). Enter your sudo password.
4. Restart your Steam Deck.

Enjoy your Game Gear games on your Steam Deck! Remember to always legally acquire your ROMs.