Sega CD Games Now Playable on Steam Deck

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

Pre-Installation: Developer Mode & Essentials

Enable Developer Mode and CEF Remote Debugging on your Steam Deck for compatibility with EmuDeck updates. This involves accessing the Steam menu, navigating to System > Developer, enabling both options, restarting in Desktop Mode.

Essential Items:

A fast A2 microSD card for EmuDeck and games. Format this card on the Steam Deck (Steam Menu > Storage > Format SD Card).
Legally obtained Sega CD ROMs and BIOS files.
(Optional but recommended) Keyboard and mouse for easier file management.

Downloading and Installing EmuDeck

Switch to Desktop Mode. Download a browser (from the Discovery Store), then download EmuDeck. During installation, choose "Custom" and select RetroArch, MelonDS, Steam ROM Manager, and Emulation Station (or all emulators). Install to your SD card.

Transferring Sega CD Files

Use the Dolphin File Browser (in Desktop Mode) to transfer your files:

BIOS: SD Card > Emulation > BIOS
ROMS: SD Card > Emulation > ROMS > segaCD (or megaCD)

Adding ROMs with Steam ROM Manager

Open EmuDeck, then Steam ROM Manager. Follow the on-screen prompts to add your Sega CD ROMs to your Steam Library. This allows them to appear and function like your other games.

Fixing Missing Covers

Steam ROM Manager usually handles cover art. For missing covers:

Use the "Fix" function in SRM.
Search for the game title.
Select and save the appropriate cover art.
Manually upload covers if SRM doesn't find them using the "Upload" function.

Playing Your Sega CD Games

Access your games through Steam's Gaming Mode: Steam Button > Library > Collections > Sega CD.

Emulation Station: For better organization (especially for multi-disc games), use Emulation Station (Steam Button > Library > Non-Steam). Use its scraper function to automatically download metadata and artwork.

Installing Decky Loader and Power Tools

For enhanced performance, install Decky Loader (from its GitHub page) and then Power Tools (through the Decky Loader store). Optimize Power Tools settings (disable SMTs, set Threads to 4, adjust GPU clock) for improved emulation.