Steam Deck: How To Run Game Boy Games

Quick Links

• Before Installing EmuDeck

  • Change Developer Mode

• Download EmuDeck In Desktop Mode

  • Quick Settings

• Adding Game Boy Games To The Steam Deck

  • Steam ROM Manager

• Playing Game Boy Games On The Steam Deck

  • Customize The Game's Colors

• Using Emulation Station For Game Boy Games

• Install Decky Loader On The Steam Deck

• Installing The Power Tools Plugin

  • Power Tools Settings For Emulated Games

• Restoring Decky Loader After A Steam Deck Update

The Steam Deck, a powerful handheld console capable of running modern games, is also remarkably customizable. With EmuDeck, it transforms into a superb retro gaming machine, perfectly suited for playing classic Game Boy titles. Even with their age, these games hold a unique charm, showcasing the ingenuity and dedication of their creators. This guide details how to install EmuDeck and enjoy Game Boy games on your Steam Deck.

Updated January 13, 2024, by Michael Llewellyn: While the Game Boy doesn't demand significant processing power on the Steam Deck, achieving optimal emulation requires Decky Loader and the Power Tools plugin for fine-tuned control over system resources. This updated guide includes installation steps for both, along with instructions for restoring Decky Loader after a Steam Deck update.

Before Installing EmuDeck

Before beginning, gather these essentials:

• A fully charged Steam Deck.
• An A2 microSD card for storing games and emulators.
• Legally obtained Game Boy ROMs.
• A Bluetooth keyboard and mouse (or a wired set with a dock) for easier ROM transfer and navigation.

Change Developer Mode

1. Press the Steam button.
2. Navigate to the System menu and enable Developer Mode.
3. Access the Developer menu and enable CEF Debugging.
4. Select Power, then Switch to Desktop Mode.

Download EmuDeck In Desktop Mode

Connect your keyboard and mouse. In Desktop mode:

1. Open a browser (like DuckDuckGo or Firefox) and download EmuDeck.
2. Click "Download," select "Steam OS," and choose the free download.
3. Select "Recommended Settings," then "Custom Install."
4. Choose your SD card (labeled "Primary") on the EmuDeck menu.
5. Select the emulators you want (RetroArch, Emulation Station, Steam ROM Manager are recommended). Click "Continue."
6. Enable "Auto Save."
7. Complete the remaining steps and click "Finish."

Quick Settings

1. Open EmuDeck and select "Quick Settings."
2. Enable AutoSave, Controller Layout Match, Bezels, Nintendo Classic AR, and LCD Handhelds.

Adding Game Boy Games To The Steam Deck

Now, transfer your Game Boy games:

1. Use Dolphin File Manager to access your files.
2. Navigate to "Primary" under Removable Devices.
3. Open "Emulation," then "ROMS," then the "gb" folder.
4. Ensure ROMs have the correct .gb extension.
5. Transfer your Game Boy ROMs into this folder.

Game Boy File Names: .gb

Steam ROM Manager

1. Reopen EmuDeck and select "Steam ROM Manager."
2. Click "Yes" to close the Steam client and proceed.
3. Turn off "Toggle Parsers."
4. Select the three Game Boy tabs and click "Add Games."
5. After adding games and cover art, click "Save to Steam."
6. Wait for the completion message and close Steam ROM Manager.
7. Exit EmuDeck and return to Gaming Mode.

Playing Game Boy Games On The Steam Deck

1. Press the Steam button.
2. Open your Library.
3. Go to the Collections tab.
4. Select a Game Boy collection.
5. Launch a game and click "Play."

Customize The Game's Colors

Many Game Boy games offer color options within RetroArch:

1. Launch a game.
2. Press Select + Y to open the RetroArch menu.
3. Go to "Core Options," then "GB Colorization."
4. Choose "Auto" for automatic colorization or "Off" for original monochrome.

Using Emulation Station For Game Boy Games

Emulation Station provides an alternative launch method:

1. Press the Steam button.
2. Open your Library, then Collections.
3. Select "Emulators," then "Emulation Station."
4. Choose the Game Boy icon and press A to launch.
5. The RetroArch menu (Select + Y) also works here.

Install Decky Loader On The Steam Deck

For optimal performance, install Decky Loader and Power Tools:

1. Switch to Desktop Mode.
2. Download Decky Loader from its GitHub page.
3. Double-click the downloaded file and choose "Recommended Install."
4. Restart your Steam Deck in Gaming Mode.

Installing The Power Tools Plugin

1. Access the Quick Access Menu (QAM) and select the Decky Loader plugin icon.
2. Open the Decky Store and search for "Power Tools."
3. Install the plugin.

Power Tools Settings For Emulated Games

1. Launch a Game Boy game.
2. Open the Power Tools menu via QAM.
3. Turn off SMTs and set Threads to 4.
4. Open the Performance menu, enable Advanced View, Manual GPU Clock Control, set GPU Clock Frequency to 1200, and enable Per Game Profiles.

Restoring Decky Loader After A Steam Deck Update

Steam Deck updates may cause Decky Loader incompatibility:

1. Switch to Desktop Mode.
2. Re-download Decky Loader from its GitHub page.
3. Select "Execute" only.
4. Enter your pseudo password (create one if needed).
5. Restart your Steam Deck in Gaming Mode.

The Steam Deck's larger screen makes it ideal for enjoying classic Game Boy games. Enjoy!