Steam Deck: How To Run Sega CD Games

Unleash Your Sega CD Collection on Steam Deck: A Comprehensive Guide

The Sega CD, or Mega CD, expanded the Sega Genesis/Megadrive, offering CD-based gaming with enhanced visuals and audio. While not a massive commercial success, it remains a nostalgic gem. This guide helps you experience the classic Sega CD titles on your Steam Deck using EmuDeck.

Updated January 9, 2025: This guide now includes Decky Loader and Power Tools for optimal performance, as recommended by EmuDeck developers, plus troubleshooting for post-Steam Deck update issues.

Pre-Installation Steps:

Before installing EmuDeck, enable Developer Mode and CEF Remote Debugging for compatibility.

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

Essential Requirements:

• A fast A2 microSD card for EmuDeck and games. Format this card on your 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. Access the Steam Menu > Storage.
3. Select "Format SD Card."

Installing EmuDeck:

1. Access the Steam Menu and switch to Desktop Mode.
2. Download a browser (from the Discovery Store), then download EmuDeck, selecting the SteamOS version.
3. Run the installer, choosing "Custom" installation.
4. Select your SD card and Steam Deck.
5. Choose RetroArch, MelonDS, Steam ROM Manager, and Emulation Station (or select all emulators).
6. Complete the installation by selecting "Finalize."

Transferring Sega CD Files:

BIOS Files:

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

Sega CD ROMs:

1. Navigate to your SD card (Primary) > "Emulation" > "ROMS."
2. Open the "segaCD" or "megaCD" folder and transfer your ROMs.

Adding ROMs with Steam ROM Manager:

1. Launch EmuDeck and open Steam ROM Manager.
2. Click "Next," then select the Sega CD entry.
3. Click "Add Games" and "Parse." Steam ROM Manager will prepare your games and artwork.

Resolving Missing Covers:

If covers are missing:

1. Select "Fix."
2. Search for the game title.
3. Choose a cover and click "Save and Close."

Manually Adding Covers:

Use a Google Image search to find the cover art. In Steam ROM Manager, click "Upload," select the image, and click "Save and Close."

Playing Your Sega CD Games:

1. Access the Steam Menu > Library > Collections.
2. Open the Sega CD folder to launch your games.

Using Emulation Station:

Emulation Station (if installed) provides a superior library interface, especially for multi-disc games.

1. Access the Steam Menu > Library > Non-Steam.
2. Launch Emulation Station. Use the menu to scrape metadata (TheGamesDB is recommended).

Installing Decky Loader:

1. (Optional, but recommended for Power Tools) Switch to Desktop Mode.
2. Download Decky Loader from its GitHub page.
3. Run the installer and choose "Recommended Install."
4. Restart your Steam Deck in Gaming Mode.

Installing and Configuring Power Tools:

1. Access Decky Loader via the Quick Access Menu (QAM).
2. Install Power Tools from the Decky Store.
3. Launch a Sega CD game.
4. Access Power Tools via the QAM.
5. Disable SMTs, set Threads to 4.
6. Access the Performance menu (battery icon), enable Advanced View, and manually set GPU Clock Frequency to 1200.
7. Use "Per Game Profile" to save these settings.

Restoring Decky Loader After a Steam Deck Update:

If Decky Loader is removed after an update:

1. Switch to Desktop Mode.
2. Download Decky Loader from its GitHub page.
3. Select "Execute" and provide your sudo password.
4. Restart your Steam Deck in Gaming Mode.

Enjoy your Sega CD gaming experience on your Steam Deck!