Steam Deck: How To Run Sega CD Games

This guide shows you how to play Sega CD games on your Steam Deck using EmuDeck. We'll cover everything from initial setup to troubleshooting post-update issues.

Quick Links

• Developer Mode & Pre-Installation Recommendations

  • Enabling Developer Mode
  • Essential & Recommended Hardware/Software
  • SD Card Formatting

• EmuDeck Download & Installation

• Transferring Sega CD Files

  • BIOS File Transfer
  • Sega CD ROM Transfer

• Adding ROMs via Steam ROM Manager

• Resolving Missing Cover Art

  • Adding Downloaded Cover Art

• Playing Your Sega CD Games

  • Utilizing Emulation Station

• Installing Decky Loader

• Installing Power Tools & Optimizing Settings

  • Power Tools' Optimal Emulation Settings

• Troubleshooting Decky Loader After a Steam Deck Update

The Sega CD (Mega CD) expanded the Sega Genesis/Megadrive, enabling enhanced gaming experiences through CD technology. While not a massive commercial success, it showcased the potential of CD-based games with FMV sequences and improved audio. EmuDeck on the Steam Deck allows you to revisit this era of gaming.

Updated January 9, 2025 by Michael Llewellyn: This guide is updated to include Decky Loader and Power Tools, recommended by EmuDeck developers, and provides a solution for restoring Decky Loader after Steam Deck updates.

Developer Mode & Pre-Installation Recommendations

Before installing EmuDeck, enable Developer Mode and CEF Remote Debugging for optimal compatibility with future updates.

Enabling Developer Mode

1. Power on your Steam Deck.
2. Access the Steam Menu (Steam button).
3. Navigate to System > Developer Mode and enable it.
4. Access the Developer menu and enable CEF Remote Debugging.
5. Access the Power menu (Steam button) and switch to Desktop Mode.

Essential & Recommended Hardware/Software

• High-speed A2 microSD card for EmuDeck and games.
• Format the SD card on the Steam Deck.
• Legally obtained Sega CD ROMs and BIOS files.
• (Optional but recommended) Keyboard and mouse for easier file management.

SD Card Formatting

1. Insert your microSD card.
2. Open the Steam menu, navigate to Storage, and format the SD card.

EmuDeck Download & Installation

1. Access the Steam Menu, select Power, and switch to Desktop Mode.
2. Download a browser from the Discovery Store.
3. Download EmuDeck from its official website, selecting the appropriate SteamOS version.
4. Run the installer, choosing the Custom installation option.
5. Select your SD card as the installation location.
6. Choose the desired emulators (RetroArch, MelonDS, Steam ROM Manager, Emulation Station are recommended).
7. Complete the installation by selecting Finalize.

Transferring Sega CD Files

Organize your ROMs and BIOS files correctly.

BIOS File Transfer

1. Open the Dolphin File Browser (Desktop Mode).
2. Select your primary SD card.
3. Navigate to the Emulation > BIOS folder and transfer your BIOS files.

Sega CD ROM Transfer

1. Navigate to Emulation > ROMS > segaCD (or megaCD).
2. Transfer your Sega CD ROMs to this folder.

Adding ROMs via Steam ROM Manager

Integrate your ROMs into Steam's Gaming Mode.

1. Launch EmuDeck and open Steam ROM Manager.
2. Follow the on-screen prompts, adding your games and parsing the data.

Resolving Missing Cover Art

Steam ROM Manager usually handles cover art, but some titles might require manual addition.

1. If covers are missing, select "Fix."
2. Search for the game title and select a suitable cover.
3. Click "Save and Close."

Adding Downloaded Cover Art

1. Click "Upload."
2. Select your downloaded cover image.
3. Click "Save and Close."
4. Return to Gaming Mode.

Playing Your Sega CD Games

Access your games through Steam's Gaming Mode.

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

Utilizing Emulation Station

Emulation Station provides enhanced game organization, especially for multi-disc titles.

1. Access the Steam Library > Non-Steam tab.
2. Launch Emulation Station.
3. Use the Scraper function to automatically download metadata and cover art.

Installing Decky Loader

Decky Loader is needed for Power Tools.

1. (Optional) Connect a keyboard and mouse.
2. Switch to Desktop Mode.
3. Download Decky Loader from its GitHub page.
4. Run the installer and choose the Recommended Install option.
5. Restart your Steam Deck in Gaming Mode.

Installing Power Tools & Optimizing Settings

Power Tools enhances emulation performance.

1. Access the Quick Access Menu (QAM) and open Decky Loader.
2. Install Power Tools from the Decky Store.
3. Adjust Power Tools settings (disable SMTs, set Threads to 4, adjust GPU clock if needed).

Power Tools' Optimal Emulation Settings

Fine-tune settings for optimal performance within Power Tools.

Troubleshooting Decky Loader After a Steam Deck Update

Reinstall Decky Loader if it's removed after a Steam Deck update.

1. Switch to Desktop Mode.
2. Re-download Decky Loader from its GitHub page.
3. Run the installer using the "Execute" option.
4. Enter your sudo password (create one if needed).
5. Restart your Steam Deck in Gaming Mode.

This comprehensive guide will help you set up and enjoy your Sega CD games on the Steam Deck.