Play Gameboy GBC and GBA on Steam Deck Ultimate Guide

Setting Up Your Steam Deck for Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance Emulation

To play Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance games on your Steam Deck, you'll need to set up the EmuDeck software, which integrates various emulators, including RetroArch. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

Downloading and Installing EmuDeck

1. Switch to Desktop Mode:

   • Press the Steam button on your Steam Deck.
   • Navigate to the Power menu and select "Switch to Desktop Mode".

2. Download EmuDeck:

   • Open a web browser like Firefox or Chrome.
   • Go to the EmuDeck website and download the launcher.
   • Choose the "Steam OS version" and select "Custom Install".

3. Install EmuDeck:

• Follow the installation prompts. When asked, select the "SD Card image named Primary" if you're using an SD card, or choose the internal storage if that's your preference.
• You can install all the emulators or select specific ones. For Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance, ensure that the respective emulators are included.

4. Complete the Installation:
   • Skip the next few screens and select "Finish" to complete the installation.
   • Ensure "Auto Save" is turned on during the setup process.

Adding ROMs to Your Steam Deck

1. Transfer ROMs:

   • Ensure your Steam Deck is in Desktop Mode.
   • Open the Dolphin file manager and select "Primary" under "Removable Devices" if using an SD card, or navigate to your internal storage.
   • Open the "Emulation" folder and then the "ROMs" folder.
   • Create separate folders for Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance if they don't already exist.

2. Place ROMs in Correct Folders:

   • Transfer your Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance ROMs into their respective folders:
     • Game Boy: ROMs/GB
     • Game Boy Color: ROMs/GBC
     • Game Boy Advance: ROMs/GBA.

Configuring EmuDeck and RetroArch

1. Reopen EmuDeck:

   • After transferring the ROMs, reopen EmuDeck to ensure the new files are recognized.

2. Using Steam ROM Manager:

   • Select "Yes" to close the Steam client running in the background and tap "Next".
   • Toggle "Parsers" off in the Parsers menu.
   • Activate the tabs for Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance.
   • Select "Add Games" and wait for the Steam ROM Manager to finish adding the games and their cover art to the Steam Library. Then, select "Save to Steam".

3. Accessing Games via Emulation Station:

• EmuDeck also sets up Emulation Station, which provides an alternative method to play your games outside the Steam Deck's library.
• Press the Steam button, open the Library menu, and slide to the "Collections" tab.
• Select the "Emulators" square and open the "Emulation Station" window.
• Scroll to the Game Boy, Game Boy Color, or Game Boy Advance icon and press A to open it. Select a game from the list and press A to launch it.

Optimizing Graphics and Performance

1. Using RetroArch Settings:

   • Through RetroArch, you can tailor your settings by pressing the Select and Y buttons.
   • For better graphics without blurring or adding CRT lines, consider using slang shaders AA.

2. Docking Your Steam Deck:

   • For easier file transfer and better performance, consider docking your Steam Deck. This setup makes it easier to manage files and play games on a larger screen.

Playing Your Games

1. Switching to Gaming Mode:

   • Exit EmuDeck and return to Gaming Mode by tapping or clicking the appropriate option.

2. Accessing Your Games:

   • Press the Steam button, open the Library, and press R1 to access the "Collections" tab.
   • Select the Game Boy, Game Boy Color, or Game Boy Advance window and choose a game to play.

By following these steps, you'll be able to enjoy your favorite Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance games on your Steam Deck with optimal performance and graphics.