This guide details how to install EmuDeck and play Game Boy games on your Steam Deck, optimizing performance with Decky Loader and Power Tools. The Steam Deck, despite its modern capabilities, excels at retro gaming with the right setup.

Before You Begin:

You'll need:

• A fully charged Steam Deck.
• An A2 microSD card for games and emulators.
• Legally obtained Game Boy ROMs.
• A Bluetooth or wired keyboard and mouse (recommended for easier navigation).

Enable Developer Mode: Access the Steam menu, then System > Developer Mode (ON). Enable CEF Debugging in the Developer menu. Switch to Desktop Mode.

Installing EmuDeck:

In Desktop Mode:

1. Launch a browser (e.g., Firefox).
2. Download EmuDeck, selecting SteamOS and the free download.
3. Choose Recommended Settings then Custom Install.
4. Select your SD card as the Primary installation location.
5. Choose your desired emulators (RetroArch, Emulation Station, Steam ROM Manager recommended).
6. Enable Auto Save.
7. Complete the installation.

Quick Settings (EmuDeck):

Within EmuDeck, enable:

• AutoSave
• Controller Layout Match
• Bezels
• Nintendo Classic AR
• LCD Handhelds

Adding Game Boy Games:

Use Dolphin File Manager to navigate to Primary > Emulation > ROMS > gb. Transfer your .gb ROMs to this folder. Ensure correct filenames.

Steam ROM Manager Integration:

1. Open Steam ROM Manager in EmuDeck.
2. Close the Steam client (if prompted).
3. Disable Toggle Parsers.
4. Add your Game Boy games.
5. Save to Steam.

Playing Game Boy Games:

Access your games through the Steam Library > Collections tab. Launch and enjoy!

Customizing Game Colors (RetroArch):

Many Game Boy games support colorization via RetroArch. Access the RetroArch menu (Select + Y), navigate to Core Options > GB Colorization, and choose Auto or Off.

Emulation Station:

Alternatively, launch games through Emulation Station (Steam Library > Collections > Emulators > Emulation Station).

Installing Decky Loader:

In Desktop Mode:

1. Download Decky Loader from its GitHub page.
2. Run the installer, choosing Recommended Install.
3. Restart your Steam Deck.

Installing Power Tools:

Access the Decky Loader plugin store and install Power Tools.

Power Tools Settings:

1. Launch a Game Boy game.
2. Open Power Tools (QAM).
3. Turn off SMTs.
4. Set Threads to 4.
5. In the Performance menu (Advanced View), enable Manual GPU Clock Control and set the GPU Clock Frequency to 1200.
6. Enable Per Game Profile.

Restoring Decky Loader After a Steam Deck Update:

Reinstall Decky Loader from its GitHub page in Desktop Mode after a Steam Deck update. You may need to re-enter your pseudo-password.

Enjoy your enhanced Game Boy experience on your Steam Deck! Remember to always obtain ROMs legally.