Steam Deck: How To Run Game Boy Games %v

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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 is a powerhouse of a device that not only runs modern games but also offers unparalleled customization, making it an ideal platform for retro gaming enthusiasts. With EmuDeck, you can transform your Steam Deck into a top-notch retro gaming machine, perfect for playing classic Game Boy games.

Despite their age, these games hold a special charm, showcasing the dedication and creativity that went into their development, even with the constraints of a limited color palette. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to install EmuDeck and enjoy Game Boy games on your Steam Deck.

Updated January 13, 2024, by Michael Llewellyn: The Game Boy games are not demanding on the Steam Deck's hardware. However, to achieve the best emulation experience, the developers recommend installing Decky Loader and the Power Tools plugin to fine-tune performance settings. This guide has been updated to include detailed steps for installing Decky Loader and Power Tools, as well as how to restore Decky Loader after a Steam Deck update.

Before Installing EmuDeck

Before diving into the world of EmuDeck, ensure you have the following essentials ready:

A fully charged Steam Deck.
An A2 microSD card for storing your emulators and favorite Game Boy games.

- Legally obtained Game Boy ROMs.

A Bluetooth or wired keyboard and mouse for easier navigation and ROM transfer (use a docking system for wired options).

Change Developer Mode

To enable Developer Mode and prepare your Steam Deck for EmuDeck:

Press the Steam button.
Navigate to the System menu and enable Developer Mode.
Within the Developer menu, turn on CEF Debugging.
Access the Power option.
Select Switch to Desktop Mode.

Download EmuDeck In Desktop Mode

Once in Desktop Mode, follow these steps to download and install EmuDeck:

Connect your keyboard and mouse.
Open a web browser like DuckDuckGo or Mozilla Firefox and navigate to the EmuDeck download page.
Click the "Download" button at the top-right corner, select "Steam OS," and choose "Download for Free."
Click on "Recommended Settings."
Opt for "Custom Install."
In the EmuDeck menu, select the "Primary" SD card image.
Within the EmuDeck startup process menu, again select the "Primary" SD card image.
You can choose to install all emulators or select RetroArch, Emulation Station, and Steam ROM Manager, then click "Continue."
Enable Auto Save.
Skip the subsequent screens and click "Finish" to complete the installation.

Quick Settings

To fine-tune EmuDeck settings:

Launch the EmuDeck program and go to "Quick Settings."

- Turn AutoSave On.

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

Adding Game Boy Games To The Steam Deck

With EmuDeck installed, it's time to add your Game Boy games:

Use Dolphin File Manager to access your files.
Click on "Primary" under "Removable Devices" in the left panel.
Navigate to the "Emulation" folder, then to "ROMS."
Open the "gb" folder.
Ensure your ROMs have the correct file extension (.gb).
Transfer your Game Boy files into the folder.

Game Boy File Names

.gb

Steam ROM Manager

After placing your games in the correct folder, configure them using the Steam ROM Manager:

Open the EmuDeck program and click on "Steam ROM Manager" in the left panel.
Confirm to close the Steam client and click "Next."
In the Parsers screen, toggle off "Toggle Parsers."
Click on the three Game Boy tabs.
Select "Add Games."
Once the Steam ROM Manager finishes adding games and their cover art, click "Save to Steam."
Wait for the "Done adding/removing entries" message, then close the Steam ROM Manager.
Exit EmuDeck and switch back to Gaming Mode.

Playing Game Boy Games On The Steam Deck

To enjoy your Game Boy games on the Steam Deck:

Press the Steam button.
Open the Library.
Go to the "Collections" tab.
Select a Game Boy game window.
Click "Play" to start the game.

Customize The Game's Colors

Some Game Boy games support color customization, despite the original hardware's limitations. To change colors:

Launch a Game Boy game.
Press the select button (with two squares above the left analog stick) and the Y button to open the RetroArch menu.
Navigate to "Core Options."
Select "GB Colorization."
Choose "Auto" for color or "Off" for the original Game Boy look.

Note: Not all Game Boy games support color options.

Using Emulation Station For Game Boy Games

While you can launch games from the Steam Library, Emulation Station offers an alternative:

Press the Steam button.
Open the Library.
Navigate to the "Collections" tab.
Select the "Emulators" window.
Click on the "Emulation Station" window and select "Play."
Scroll to the Game Boy icon and press the A button to open it.
Use the A button to launch your Game Boy games.
The RetroArch menu can also be accessed through Emulation Station using the same Select and Y button combination.

Install Decky Loader On The Steam Deck

To optimize your Game Boy gaming experience, install Decky Loader and the Power Tools plugin:

In Gaming Mode, press the Steam button.
Access the Power menu and switch to Desktop Mode.
Open a web browser and visit the Decky Loader GitHub page.
Click the large "Download" icon to start the download.
Once downloaded, double-click the launcher and select "Recommended Install."
After installation, restart the Steam Deck in Gaming Mode.

Installing The Power Tools Plugin

With Decky Loader installed, add the Power Tools plugin:

In Gaming Mode, access the Quick Access Menu (QAM) and select the plugin icon at the bottom of the side menu.
Click the store icon next to the settings cogwheel to enter the Decky Store.
Search for and install the Power Tools plugin.

Power Tools Settings For Emulated Games

To configure Power Tools for optimal performance:

Launch a Game Boy game from the "Collections" tab or the "Non-Steam" Library list.
Press the QAM button to open Decky Loader and select the Power Tools menu.
Turn off SMTs.
Adjust the Threads slider to 4.
Press QAM again to access the Performance menu.
Enable "Advance View" in the Performance menu.
Turn on "Manual GPU Clock Control."
Set the GPU Clock Frequency to 1200.
Enable the "Per Game Profile" feature to save customized settings for each game.

Restoring Decky Loader After A Steam Deck Update

Steam Deck updates can sometimes break third-party applications like Decky Loader. Here's how to restore it:

Switch back to Desktop Mode via the Steam button and Power menu.
Launch a web browser and return to the Decky Loader GitHub page.
Click the "Download" button to start the download again.
After downloading, select only the "Execute" option, not "Open."
When prompted, enter your pseudo password.
If you haven't set a pseudo password, follow the onscreen instructions to create one.
Restart the Steam Deck in Gaming Mode.
Access your Decky Loader app through the QAM to ensure all settings and plugins are restored.

Follow these steps whenever a Steam Deck update affects your Decky Loader installation.

That's everything you need to know to enjoy Game Boy games on your Steam Deck and tweak the settings to your preference. With its larger screen, the Steam Deck offers an excellent platform for reliving the classics.

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