Unleash Retro Gaming on Your Steam Deck: A Guide to Playing Game Boy Games with EmuDeck

The Steam Deck's versatility extends beyond modern titles; its PC-like architecture makes it a powerhouse for retro gaming. This guide details how to install EmuDeck and enjoy your Game Boy collection on this handheld marvel. Even the limited color palette of original Game Boy games shines anew on the Steam Deck's larger screen.

Updated January 13, 2024: This guide now includes Decky Loader and Power Tools installation for optimal Game Boy emulation performance, and instructions for restoring Decky Loader after Steam Deck updates.

Before You Begin:

Before installing EmuDeck, gather these essentials:

• 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).

Enabling Developer Mode:

1. Press the Steam button.
2. Navigate to System > Developer Mode and enable it.
3. Access the Developer menu and enable CEF Debugging.
4. Select Power > Switch to Desktop Mode.

Installing EmuDeck (Desktop Mode):

1. Connect your keyboard and mouse.
2. In Desktop Mode, download EmuDeck using a browser (e.g., DuckDuckGo, Firefox).
3. Choose Steam OS and download.
4. Select Recommended Settings then Custom Install.
5. Choose your SD card (usually labeled "Primary").
6. Select desired emulators (RetroArch, Emulation Station, Steam ROM Manager are recommended).
7. Enable Auto Save.
8. Complete the installation.

EmuDeck Quick Settings:

1. Open EmuDeck and select Quick Settings.
2. Enable AutoSave, Controller Layout Match, Bezels, Nintendo Classic AR, and LCD Handhelds.

Adding Your Game Boy Games:

1. Use Dolphin File Manager to access your SD card ("Primary").
2. Navigate to Emulation/ROMS/gb.
3. Transfer your Game Boy ROMs (.gb files) to this folder. Ensure correct filenames.

Integrating with Steam ROM Manager:

1. Open EmuDeck and select Steam ROM Manager.
2. Close the Steam client if prompted.
3. Disable "Toggle Parsers."
4. Select the three Game Boy tabs and "Add Games."
5. After adding games, select "Save to Steam."
6. Wait for the completion message and close Steam ROM Manager.
7. Return to Gaming Mode.

Playing Your Games:

1. Press the Steam button.
2. Open your Library > Collections.
3. Select your Game Boy collection and launch a game.

Customizing Game Colors (RetroArch):

Many Game Boy games support colorization within RetroArch.

1. Launch a game.
2. Open the RetroArch menu (usually Select + Y).
3. Navigate to Core Options > GB Colorization.
4. Choose "Auto" for automatic colorization or "Off" for original monochrome.

Using Emulation Station:

1. Press the Steam button.
2. Open Library > Collections > Emulators > Emulation Station.
3. Select the Game Boy icon and launch your games. The RetroArch menu (Select + Y) remains accessible.

Installing Decky Loader:

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

Installing Power Tools:

1. Access the Decky Loader plugin store (usually a store icon in the QAM).
2. Search for and install Power Tools.

Power Tools Settings:

1. Launch a Game Boy game.
2. Open Power Tools via the QAM.
3. Disable SMTs, set Threads to 4.
4. Access the Performance menu, enable Advanced View.
5. Enable Manual GPU Clock Control, set GPU Clock Frequency to 1200.
6. Use Per Game Profile to save settings.

Restoring Decky Loader After a Steam Deck Update:

1. Switch to Desktop Mode.
2. Re-download Decky Loader from its GitHub page.
3. Run the installer. You may need to re-enter your pseudo password.
4. Restart in Gaming Mode.

Enjoy your enhanced Game Boy experience on your Steam Deck!