The Steam Deck is one of the most powerful handheld systems available. There are more powerful rivals, but the Linux OS that works under the hood gives it more versatility than its competitors. This extends to the massive range of titles on the Steam Store and the device's ability to play games using mods like the EmuDeck.

The EmuDeck lets Steam Deck users emulate retro games (and some modern ones) from the Atari, the Sega Megadrive/Genesis, Dreamcast, and more. To help players get it running, this guide will provide the most pain-free method possible.

PS2 logo on Steam Deck
Steam Deck: How To Run PS2 Games With EmuDeck

Thanks to the EmuDeck program, it is possible to play PS2 games on your Steam Deck. Here's what is required in order to do so.

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Updated on September 14, 2024, by Michael Llewellyn: The EmuDeck program is frequently updated with new features to maintain functionality and make playing retro games on the Steam Deck a comfortable and seamless experience. However, these updates may become incompatible following the handheld device's own updates. As such, this guide has been updated to include the steps for enabling Developer Mode, ensuring that the Steam Deck and EmuDeck remain active on the system.

Before Installing EmuDeck On The Steam Deck

Steam Deck EmuDeck games on the main screen

To run emulated games on the Steam Deck, install the best program available: Emudeck. It allows players to install several emulators and run games from various consoles and gaming systems under one program without becoming too complicated. It lets users have their emulated games appear in their Steam library alongside their purchased Steam Games for a seamless experience.

Before trying to install EmuDeck, Steam Deck users will need to have some tools in place to make the experience as smooth as possible:

  • High-Speed A2 miniSD Card: The San Disk Extreme Pro brand is a good recommendation. Even though users can install EmuDeck on the internal SSD, using the SD card for retro games keeps the internal clear for more demanding software.
  • Legally owned ROMS and Bios Files: Roms are the ripped video games that users should own legally by purchasing them. The Bios are files needed to run installed games for specific emulators.
  • USB-C compatible storage device to transfer ROMS and BIOS files.
  • Keyboard and Mouse: This guide installs the EmuDeck software in the Steam Deck's Desktop Mode. So, using a keyboard and mouse to download and transfer files can make for a better experience.

Enable Developer Mode On The Steam Deck

Steam Deck enable Developer mode

Before switching over to Desktop Mode and downloading the EmuDeck program, you should make some adjustments to your Wi-Fi and Developer settings. Use the following steps to enable Developer Mode:

  • Press the Steam button to open the Steam access menu.
  • In the Steam Menu, select System.
  • Ensure the System Update Channel is set to Stable.
  • Enable Developer Mode under System Settings.
  • In the Steam Menu, select the new Developer menu.
  • Under Wi-Fi, disable Wi-Fi Power Management. Keeping this turned off will make the Steam Deck use 5GHz networks. One of the most recent updates for the EmuDeck includes streaming and remote play services, which work better on 5GHz.
  • Under Miscellaneous, enable CEF Remote Debugging.

Ensure your Steam Deck is set to Stable mode for updates to ensure optimal compatibility with EmuDeck's update system. Running the Steam Deck in Beta or Beta Candidate Mode will trigger more frequent updates, which may cause issues with the emulators. However, it's always worth checking if the Developer Mode settings are active after a major update in Stable mode, as it can be switched off by default.

How To Install Emudeck On The Steam Deck

Steam Deck Emudeck running under collections

For this guide, players are going to install all available emulators.

EmuDeck OS options
  • There are four options for the EmuDeck installer based on the user's operating system. In this case, select SteamOS.
  • Move the EmuDeck installer onto the desktop.
  • Select Easy Mode or Custom to install individual emulators.
  • Select SD for the ROM Directory.
  • Select the Steam Deck image as the device.
Choosing the Steam Deck via EmuDeck
  • Select Continue.
  • The EmuDeck installer will begin installing files.
  • Use the USB Transfer Tool to add ROMS now or skip and add them later. It's recommended to add the ROM files manually.
  • The EmuDeck will be installed and will display several options for you to tinker with.

How To Improve The Visuals Of Emulated Games

EmuDeck Quick settings page

The EmuDeck can improve the look and feel of classic games and even reproduce a CRT-like effect for 2D games and retro 3D systems like the Dreamcast, PS1, Saturn, and more. Use the following steps to adjust the graphics settings for retro games:

  • Select Quick Settings from the side menu.
  • Switch Autosave on.
  • Switch Bezals on.
  • Switch Sega Classic AR (Aspect Ratio) to 4:3.
  • Switch Nintendo Classic AR to 4:3.
  • Switch 3D Classics to 16:9.
  • Switch GameCube AR to 16:9.
  • Switch LCD Handhelds to On.
  • CRT 2D - switching this on will reproduce a CRT TV-like effect.
  • CRT 3D - the same as the above.
  • With the settings saved, press Go Back.

One of the top features of EmuDeck is the EmuDeck store, which is filled with non-profit and fanmade games. Take a look in the store and download some of the free games there, as it's a great way to find out if everything is working as it should with the emulators.

With everything ready, it's time to place the emulated games and bios in their designated folders and add them to the library so they work from the Steam Deck's Gaming mode.

best rpgs steam deck featured image
Best Deck Verified RPGs For Steam Deck

Steam has plenty of action and turn-based role-playing games, including many fantastic RPGs that are great on the Steam Deck. Here are the best ones.

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How To Add Emulated Games To The Steam Deck Library

EmuDeck loading screen

Steam Deck users can add their ROMS and Bios files using the transfer ROMs feature. Alternatively, they can manually transfer the ROMS into EmuDeck's folders. Manually copying the ROMS is the most efficient method.

Manually Transferring ROMs

  • Ensure the Steam Deck is in Desktop Mode.
  • Click on the folder icon on the taskbar at the bottom of the screen.
  • Under Removable Devices, select Primary.
  • Click the Emulation folder.
  • Click on the ROMs folder.
  • Now, transfer the game ROMs into the relevant folder. For example, PS2 games should be placed into the PS2 folder, PS1 games into the PSX folder, and so on.

Adding Bios Files

Some console emulators like the PS1 and PS2 require bios files. Like ROM files, they must be transferred to the correct folder:

  • In Desktop Mode, access the Dolphin file manager.
  • Access the EmuDeck installation on the SD card by selecting Primary on the left panel at the bottom of the drives and folders list.
  • Click on the Emulation folder.
  • Then, open the Bios folder.
  • Then, transfer the Bios files into the folder.

Steam ROM Manager

EmuDeck Steam Rom Manager

Now, it's time to add the emulated titles to the Steam Deck library under a new tab called Collections.

  • Open the EmuDeck app.
  • Select Steam Rom Manager.
  • Click Yes to agree. Close the Steam app and launch the Steam Rom Manager.
  • To select individual emulators, switch Toggle Parsers off.
  • On the Parsers menu, highlight and select the desired emulator.

You can select as many emulators to manage as you want or all by switching toggle Parsers on.

  • Select Add Game.
  • Click on Refresh.
  • Ensure the artwork covers are selected for the new games.
  • Select Save to Steam to add the games to the library.

Fix Missing Artwork

The Steam Rom Manager will allocate the correct artwork for most emulated games. Unfortunately, some games may not have a preloaded cover. The following steps can be followed to fix the missing artwork:

Click Fix to change or upload a cover image on the Steam Rom Manager
  • If the uploaded game features the wrong artwork, click on the Fix icon.
  • Type the game's title in the Fix Artwork and Title search bar.
  • Select one of the game covers and click inside it.
  • Click on Save and close.

Uploading Missing Artwork

If the emulated game doesn’t have covers available, Steam Deck users can upload their own:

  • Open Desktop Mode.
  • Source a game cover.
  • Click image search, and save the cover to the Pictures folder on the Steam Deck.
  • Open the EmuDeck program.
  • Run the Steam Rom Manager.
Selecting upload image on the Steam Rom Manager
  • Click on Upload on the game's frame.
  • Open the Pictures folder and select the new cover image.
  • Select Save and Close.
  • With the covers and artwork in order, switch to the Steam Deck's Gaming Mode.
  • Press the Steam button to access the Library.
Steam Deck Emulated N64 wrestling games

Troubleshooting Performance Issues On EmuDeck

Some games can run into problems like slowdown and distorted sound when running on the Steam Deck. The following steps can be used to fix performance issues:

  • Run the emulated game.
  • Press the QAS button underneath the right trackpad.
  • Select the Performance menu.
  • Switch on the Use per-game profile option.
  • Increase the Frame Limit to 60 FPS.

The Full List Of Emulators On EmuDeck

Steam Deck running the DuckStation Emulator

The EmuDeck installer includes several emulators that allow the Steam Deck to play a vast range of retro games in one place. The list of emulators available is as follows:

  • RetroArch: An all-in-one emulator for the PS1, Saturn, Dreamcast, Sega CD, and Nintendo DS.
  • Dolphin: GameCube and the Wii
  • Primehack: Allows the Steam Deck to run the Metroid Prime Trilogy on the Wii.
  • PPSSPP: PSP
  • DuckStation: PS1
  • melonDS: Nintendo DS
  • Citra: Nintendo 3DS
  • PCSX2QT: PS2
  • RPCS3: PS3
  • Yuzu: Switch (this only works for users with older installs).
  • RyuJinx: Switch (this only works for users with older installs).
  • Xemu: Xbox
  • Cemu: Nintendo Wii U
  • Steam ROM Manager: Adds games to the Steam Library
  • Rosalie's Mupen Gui: N64
  • MAME: Arcade
  • Vita3K: PS Vita
  • ScummVM: Scumm and MS-DOS
  • Xenia: Xbox 360 (the Xenia emulator is in beta and isn't as reliable).
  • MGBA: Game Boy Advance

New installs won't include the emulators for the Nintendo Switch. They only work via a hotfix for EmuDeck users who installed before the update.

Some games will operate without trouble, but others may require some tinkering. Playing around with the performance settings on the Steam Deck, turning off framerate limits, and increasing it to 60 FPS should work. Finally, installing PowerTools on the Steam Deck, switching off SMT, and reducing Threads 4 appears to allow most retro games to run on the Steam Deck.

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Steam Deck Console
Steam Deck
Display card main info widget
Screen
7" diagonal 1280 x 800px (16:10 aspect ratio) 60Hz
Storage
64 GB - 512 GB
Display card main info widget end

Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info
CPU
AMD APU Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz
Battery
40Whr battery. 2 - 8 hours of gameplay
Ports
1x USB-C with DisplayPort 1.4 Alt-mode support; up to 8K @60Hz or 4K @120Hz, 1x USB 3.2,1x Micro SD slot, 1x 3.5 audio jack