This guide details how to install and utilize EmuDeck to play Sega Game Gear games on your Steam Deck, maximizing performance through Decky Loader and Power Tools.

Before You Begin: Essential Preparations

Before installing EmuDeck, ensure you've taken these preliminary steps:

• Enable Developer Mode: Navigate to Steam > System > System Settings > Enable Developer Mode. Then, within the Developer menu, enable CEF Remote Debugging. Restart your Steam Deck.

• Recommended Accessories: An A2 microSD card (or external HDD with dock) is crucial for storing ROMs and emulators. A keyboard and mouse simplify file transfers and artwork management. Remember to legally obtain your Game Gear ROMs.

Installing EmuDeck

Follow these steps to install EmuDeck:

1. Switch to Desktop Mode (Steam button > Power > Switch to Desktop).
2. Download EmuDeck from its official website.
3. Choose the SteamOS version and select "Custom Install."
4. Select your microSD card (Primary) as the installation location.
5. Opt for a custom install, selecting RetroArch, Emulation Station, and Steam ROM Manager.
6. Enable "Auto Save."
7. Complete the installation.

Quick EmuDeck Settings

Within EmuDeck, access Quick Settings and configure the following:

• AutoSave: Enabled.
• Controller Layout Match: Enabled.
• Sega Classic AR: Set to 4:3.
• LCD Handhelds: Enabled.

Transferring ROMs and Using Steam ROM Manager

Get your games running:

1. Transfer your Game Gear ROMs to the Primary/Emulation/ROMs/gamegear folder using Dolphin File Manager.
2. Open EmuDeck and launch Steam ROM Manager.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts, selecting the Game Gear parser and adding your games.
4. Ensure artwork is correctly associated with your ROMs. If not, use the "Fix" function within SRM to search for and apply the correct cover art. If the ROM filename includes numbers before the title, rename it to remove these numbers for accurate artwork detection. Manually upload missing artwork via the "Upload" function in SRM.

Resolving Missing Artwork

If artwork is missing or incorrect:

1. Search online for the missing cover art.
2. Save the image to your Steam Deck's Pictures folder.
3. In Steam ROM Manager, use the "Upload" feature to assign the downloaded artwork to the game.

Playing Your Games

1. Switch back to Gaming Mode.
2. Access your Game Gear games through the Steam Library's Collections tab.
3. Launch your chosen game.
4. Adjust in-game settings to 60 FPS for optimal performance (QAS button > Performance > Use per-game profile > Frame Limit: 60 FPS).

Enhancing Performance with Decky Loader and Power Tools

For enhanced performance:

1. Install Decky Loader from its GitHub page (Recommended Install). Restart your Steam Deck.
2. Install the Power Tools plugin via the Decky Loader store.
3. Within Power Tools, disable SMTs, set Threads to 4, enable Manual GPU Clock Control (set to 1200 MHz), and enable Per Game Profile.

Recovering Decky Loader After a Steam Deck Update

If a Steam Deck update removes Decky Loader:

1. Switch to Desktop Mode.
2. Re-download Decky Loader from GitHub.
3. Run the downloaded file (select Execute, not Open). Enter your sudo password when prompted.
4. Restart your Steam Deck.

Enjoy your Game Gear games on your Steam Deck!