Steam Deck Guide: Playing Game Boy Games on Your Device

Steam Deck Guide: Playing Game Boy Games on Your Device

The Steam Deck is a powerful device, capable of running most modern gaming titles. This versatility also extends into the realm of retro gaming, especially when enhanced with EmuDeck. By using this software, gamers can turn their Steam Deck into a prime emulator for classics from the Game Boy era.

There’s a certain charm to the games developed for the original Game Boy, which showcase the creativity of their time despite technical limitations. Below is a comprehensive guide on how to install EmuDeck and play Game Boy titles on your Steam Deck.

Updated January 13, 2024, by Michael Llewellyn: Running Game Boy games on the Steam Deck doesn’t require extensive resources. Nonetheless, for optimal emulation performance, it’s highly recommended to install Decky Loader alongside the Power Tools plugin. This guide reflects the latest steps to install both, as well as guidance on restoring Decky Loader functionality post-update.

Before Installing EmuDeck

Steam Deck enable Developer mode

Before diving into EmuDeck installation, ensure you have the following essentials to run emulators and store your treasured Game Boy games:

  • A fully charged Steam Deck.
  • An A2 microSD card for games and emulators.
  • Legally obtained Game Boy ROMs.
  • A Bluetooth keyboard and mouse for transferring ROMs, or a wired setup if using a docking station.
Steam Deck the SD card slot to increase storage

Change Developer Mode

  • Press the Steam button.
  • Go to the System menu and enable Developer Mode.
  • Access the Developer menu and activate CEF Debugging.
  • Select the Power option.
  • Then choose Switch to Desktop Mode.

Download EmuDeck In Desktop Mode

Download EmuDeck
  • Connect a keyboard and mouse.
  • In Desktop mode, open a browser (e.g., DuckDuckGo or Mozilla Firefox) and visit the EmuDeck download page.
  • Click on Download in the top-right corner, then select Steam OS and Download for Free.
  • Choose Recommended Settings.
  • Select Custom Install.
  • From the EmuDeck menu, choose the SD card image labeled Primary.
  • In the EmuDeck startup process, confirm the Primary SD Card image again.
  • You can opt to install all emulators or select specific options such as RetroArch, Emulation Station, and Steam Rom Manager, then click Continue.
  • Enable Auto Save.
  • Advance through the next few screens and click Finish to finalize the installation.

Quick Settings

  • Launch the EmuDeck program and select Quick Settings.
Configure retro settings in EmuDeck
  • Activate AutoSave.
  • Choose Controller Layout Match.
  • Turn on Bezels.
  • Enable Nintendo Classic AR.
  • Activate LCD Handhelds.

Adding Game Boy Games To The Steam Deck

Highlighting the Game Boy Emulators on EmuDeck

With EmuDeck configured, it’s time to transfer your Game Boy games to the appropriate directory within the Steam Deck’s Desktop Mode.

  • Open the Dolphin File Manager to access files.
  • Select Primary under Removable Devices on the left panel.
  • Navigate to the Emulation folder.
  • Open the ROMS directory.
  • Locate the gb folder and open it.
  • Ensure your ROMs are correctly named (see the table below for naming conventions).
  • Move your Game Boy files into this folder.
Game Boy File Names .gb

Steam ROM Manager

Once your games are in the correct directory, reopen EmuDeck and follow these steps:

  • Click on Steam ROM Manager in the left panel.
  • Choose Yes to close the Steam client and proceed by clicking Next.
  • In the Parsers screen, deactivate Toggle Parsers.
  • Select the three Game Boy tabs.
  • Click on Add Games.
  • Once Steam ROM Manager finishes adding your games and their cover art, click Save to Steam.
  • Wait for the “Done adding/removing entries” prompt, then close Steam ROM Manager.
  • Exit EmuDeck and Return to Gaming Mode.

Playing Game Boy Games On The Steam Deck

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With your games successfully added, you can access them from your library using these navigational steps:

  • Press the Steam button.
  • Open your Library.
  • Select the Collections tab.
  • Choose one of the new Game Boy entries.
  • Launch the game by clicking Play.

Customize The Game’s Colors

Some Game Boy titles come with a built-in color option, which can enhance the gameplay experience, even with the original hardware’s limitations. Access color settings in RetroArch as follows:

  • Start a Game Boy title.
  • Select the button with two squares near the left analog stick along with the Y button to open the RetroArch menu.
  • Choose Core Options.
  • Select GB Colorization.
  • Enable Auto to add color or switch it off for a more classic Game Boy experience.

Using Emulation Station For Game Boy Games

Game Boy on the Steam Deck with Emulation Station

Although you can launch Game Boy games through the Steam Library, utilizing Emulation Station can sometimes offer a smoother experience. Here’s how to launch your retro titles:

  • Press the Steam button.
  • Go to your Library.
  • Select the Collections tab.
  • Open the Emulators window.
  • Tap the Emulation Station and select Play.
  • Scroll to the Game Boy icon and press A to open.
  • Press A again to launch your Game Boy titles.
  • Use the RetroArch shortcut with Select and Y even via Emulation Station.

Install Decky Loader On The Steam Deck

Steam Deck - Download Decky Loader

To maximize your Game Boy gameplay experience on the Steam Deck, it’s crucial to install Decky Loader along with the Power Tools plugin. Here’s how to do it:

For optimal installation, connect a wireless or wired keyboard and mouse. If either option isn’t available, the on-screen keyboard and trackpads will suffice.

  • In Gaming Mode, press the Steam button.
  • Navigate to the Power menu and switch to Desktop Mode.
  • Open a web browser and visit the Decky Loader GitHub page.
  • Scroll down and click on the large Download button to commence the download.
  • After downloading, double-click the launcher and opt for Recommended Install.
  • Once installed, restart the Steam Deck in Gaming Mode.

Installing The Power Tools Plugin

Steam Deck - install PowerTools

Installing Decky Loader allows you to enhance your gaming experience significantly by adding the Power Tools plugin, which permits further customization of your settings.

  • In Gaming Mode, access the Quick Access Menu (QAM) and click the new plugin icon at the bottom of the list.
  • Press the store icon beside the settings cogwheel to access the Decky Store.
  • Use the search function to identify and install the Power Tools plugin, or scroll down to find it.

Power Tools Settings For Emulated Games

  • Press the Steam button to launch your Game Boy title from either the Collections tab or the Non-Steam Library.
  • After launching the game, access the QAM and choose the Power Tools menu.
  • Toggle Turn off SMTs.
  • Adjust the slider to set Threads to 4.
  • Press QAM again to go to the Performance menu.
  • In the Performance menu, enable Enable Advanced View.
  • Set Manual GPU Clock Control to On.
  • Increase the GPU Clock Frequency to 1200.
  • Enable the Per Game Profile feature for individual game settings.

Restoring Decky Loader After A Steam Deck Update

Decky Loader on the Steam Deck

Major updates to the Steam Deck often result in UI changes that can disable third-party applications like Decky Loader. To restore your Decky Loader and its plugins, follow these steps:

  • Re-enter Desktop Mode via the Power menu.
  • Once in Desktop Mode, open a web browser.
  • Navigate to the Decky Loader GitHub page and click the Download button once more.
  • Select the Execute option once the download completes; do not click Open.
  • Follow prompts by entering your pseudo password in the dialog box.
  • If necessary, create a pseudo password by following the on-screen prompts (opt for a strong, memorable password).
  • Reboot your Steam Deck in Gaming Mode following the installation.
  • To verify that your Decky Loader and plugins are restored to their previous state, use the QAM to access the application again. Repeat these steps if Decky Loader is removed after future updates.

Now you’re equipped with everything essential to enjoy Game Boy games on your Steam Deck while customizing settings to your preference. Thanks to its impressive display, the Steam Deck is an exceptional choice for revisiting classic Game Boy titles.

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