Steam Deck: Sega CD Games Can Now Be Played

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: Developer Mode & Essentials

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

1. Access Steam Menu (Steam button).
2. Go to System > Developer Mode and enable it.
3. In the Developer menu, enable CEF Remote Debugging.
4. Power menu > Desktop Mode.

Required:

• High-speed A2 microSD card.
• Formatted microSD card (in Steam Deck Storage).
• Legally obtained Sega CD ROMs and BIOS files.
• Optional: Keyboard and mouse for easier navigation.

Downloading and Installing EmuDeck

1. Switch to Desktop Mode.
2. Download a browser (from Discovery Store).
3. Download EmuDeck, selecting the SteamOS version.
4. Run the installer, choose Custom installation.
5. Select your microSD card as the installation location.
6. Choose RetroArch, MelonDS, Steam ROM Manager, and Emulation Station (or select all emulators).
7. Complete the installation.

Transferring Sega CD Files

BIOS Files:

1. Open Dolphin File Browser (Desktop Mode).
2. Navigate to your microSD 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 and launch Steam ROM Manager.
2. Click Next, then skip the Nintendo DS steps.
3. Click "Add Games" and "Parse."
4. Steam ROM Manager will organize your games and covers.

Fixing Missing Covers

For missing covers:

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

To manually add covers:

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

Playing Your Sega CD Games

1. Access Steam Library.
2. Go to the Collections tab.
3. Open the Sega CD folder and launch your games.

Emulation Station: (For multi-disc games and better organization)

1. Open Emulation Station (Non-Steam Library).
2. Use the menu to scrape metadata (TheGamesDB recommended).

Installing Decky Loader and Power Tools

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 your Steam Deck in Gaming Mode.

Power Tools:

1. Open Decky Loader (QAM).
2. Go to the Decky Store and install Power Tools.
3. Optimize settings within Power Tools (disable SMTs, adjust threads, etc.).

Fixing Decky Loader After a Steam Deck Update

If Decky Loader is missing after an update:

1. Switch to Desktop Mode.
2. Re-download Decky Loader from GitHub.
3. Run the installer using "Execute" (requires sudo password).
4. Restart your Steam Deck.

Enjoy your Sega CD games on your Steam Deck!