Steam Deck: Sega CD Emulation Guide

This guide details how to play Sega CD games on your Steam Deck using EmuDeck. We'll cover setup, ROM transfer, and troubleshooting.

Pre-Installation Steps: Developer Mode & Essentials

Enable Developer Mode and CEF Remote Debugging on your Steam Deck for compatibility with EmuDeck updates.

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

Essential Items:

• High-speed A2 microSD card (for EmuDeck and games).
• Formatted microSD card (format it on the Steam Deck).
• Legally obtained Sega CD ROMs and BIOS files.
• Optional: Keyboard and mouse for easier file transfer. Format your SD card via Steam Menu > Storage > Format SD Card.

Downloading and Installing EmuDeck

1. Steam button > Power > Desktop Mode.
2. Download a browser (from the Discovery Store), then download EmuDeck. Choose the SteamOS version.
3. Run the installer, select Custom installation.
4. Choose your SD card as the installation location. Select the Steam Deck as the target device.
5. Select RetroArch, MelonDS, Steam ROM Manager, and Emulation Station (or install all emulators).
6. Complete the installation by selecting Finalize.

Transferring Sega CD Files

BIOS Files:

1. Open Dolphin File Browser (Desktop Mode).
2. Navigate to your SD card (Primary).
3. Go to Emulation > BIOS and transfer your BIOS files.

Sega CD ROMs:

1. Navigate to Primary > Emulation > ROMs > segaCD (or megaCD).
2. Transfer your ROMs to this folder.

Adding ROMs with Steam ROM Manager

1. Open EmuDeck, then Steam ROM Manager.
2. Click Next, then skip the Nintendo DS steps.
3. Select Add Games > Parse. SRM will prepare your games and covers.

Fixing Missing Covers

If covers are missing:

1. Click Fix. Search for the game title.
2. Select a cover, click Save and Close.

Manually Adding Covers:

1. Click Upload.
2. Add your downloaded cover image.
3. Click Save and Close.

Playing Sega CD Games

1. Steam button > Library > Collections > Sega CD.
2. Select and play your games.

Using Emulation Station:

1. Steam button > Library > Non-Steam > Emulation Station.
2. For multi-disc games, use Emulation Station's menu (Menu button > Scraper > TheGamesDB > Sega CD > Start).

Installing Decky Loader and Power Tools

Decky Loader is recommended for Power Tools.

1. (Desktop Mode) Download Decky Loader from its GitHub page. Run the installer, choose Recommended Install. Restart in Gaming Mode.
2. QAM button > Decky Loader plugin icon > Decky Store.
3. Install Power Tools. Optimal settings: Turn off SMTs, set Threads to 4, enable Manual GPU Clock Control (1200 MHz), and use Per Game Profile.

Fixing Decky Loader After a Steam Deck Update

If Decky Loader is missing after an update:

1. (Desktop Mode) Re-download Decky Loader from GitHub. Select 'Execute'.
2. Enter your sudo password (create one if needed).
3. Restart your Steam Deck.

Enjoy your Sega CD games on your Steam Deck!