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, excels at running modern games and offers extensive customization options. With EmuDeck, it transforms into a superb retro gaming machine, perfectly suited for playing classic Game Boy titles. Even with their age, these games retain a charm reflecting the dedication and artistry of their creators, despite the limitations of the original Game Boy's color palette. 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 SMT control and other enhancements. This updated guide includes Decky Loader and Power Tools installation, along with recovery instructions following Steam Deck updates.

Before Installing EmuDeck

Before starting, gather these essentials for running emulators and storing your Game Boy games:

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

Change Developer Mode

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

Download EmuDeck In Desktop Mode

- Connect your keyboard and mouse.

• In Desktop Mode, use a browser (like DuckDuckGo or Firefox) to download EmuDeck.
• Click "Download," select Steam OS, and choose the free download.
• Select Recommended Settings, then Custom Install.
• Choose the SD card labeled "Primary" in the EmuDeck menu.
• Select "Primary" again when prompted.
• Install all emulators or select RetroArch, Emulation Station, and Steam ROM Manager; then click Continue.
• Enable Auto Save.
• Skip subsequent screens and select Finish to complete installation.

Quick Settings

• Open EmuDeck and select Quick Settings.

- Turn on AutoSave.

• Select Controller Layout Match.
• Enable Bezels.
• Enable Nintendo Classic AR.
• Enable LCD Handhelds.

Adding Game Boy Games To The Steam Deck

With EmuDeck installed, transfer your Game Boy games:

• Use Dolphin File Manager to access files.
• Under Removable Devices, click "Primary."
• Open the Emulation folder, then ROMs, then the gb folder.
• Ensure ROMs have the correct filenames (see table below).
• Transfer your Game Boy files.