Quick Links
The Steam Deck is a capable machine that can run most modern games. Thanks to its PC-like nature, the handheld is also one of the most customizable gaming devices out there. With EmuDeck, the Steam Deck can be transformed into one of the best devices for playing retro games, including the originalGame Boy.
Despite their age, there’s beauty in the effort and hard work that went into crafting the games designed for the little handheld, even with its limited color palette. Here’show to install EmuDeck and run Game Boy games on the Steam Deck.
Updated July 15, 2025, by Michael Llewellyn:The Decky Loader program now requires a sudo password to be entered before launching the installer. Furthermore, the EmuDeck program has optional Decky integration for EmuDeck-related achievements and other useful tools. This also requires a password. This guide is updated to include the steps to create a sudo password for your Steam Deck.
Before Installing EmuDeck
Before installing EmuDeck, you’ll need the following items to run emulators and a place to storeyour favorite Game Boy games:
Quick Settings
Adding Game Boy Games To The Steam Deck
With EmuDeck set up, it’s time to transfer the Game Boy games into their correct folder inthe Steam Deck’s Desktop Mode.
.gb
Steam ROM Manager
With the games in their correct folder, reopen the EmuDeck program, and follow these steps:
Playing Game Boy Games On The Steam Deck
With the games added to the Steam Deck, you can access them from your library using the following commands:
Customize The Game’s Colors
Some Game Boy games have a color option coded into them despite the limitation of the Game Boy screen at the time. You can add colors or a different tone when playing the games through RetroArch.
Not all Game Boy games have a color option.
Using Emulation Station For Game Boy Games
Even though you can launch your Game Boy games from the Steam Library, you can also use Emulation Station to run them instead. There may be occasions where running retro titles can cause issues. In most cases, Emulation Station can offer an alternative:
Install Decky Loader On The Steam Deck
To achieve the best performance of your Game Boy games on the Steam Deck, the EmuDeck developers recommend installing Decky Loader along witha powerful plugin called Power Tools. Follow these steps to install both and optimize your performance settings.
For better navigation on the Steam Deck, connect a wireless or wired keyboard and mouse. If a keyboard and mouse are unavailable, use the onscreen keyboard and trackpads.
Setting Up A Sudo Password For The Steam Deck
Before installing the Decky Loader, your system will likely require anadmin password, also known as a sudo password for Linux-based operating systems. Use the following steps to set up a sudo password:
Installing The Power Tools Plugin
By installing Decky Loader, you’re able to enhance the performance of your Game Boy games by adding Power Tools and adjusting your settings.
Power Tools Settings For Emulated Games
Restoring Decky Loader After A Steam Deck Update
The user interface (UI) is drastically changed by many big upgrades for the Steam Deck, which can make certain third-party apps, like Decky Loader, incompatible with the device’s functionality. Use these procedures to recover your Decky Loader application and any installed plugins, including Power Tools.
That’s what you need to know in order to run Game Boy games on the Steam Deck and change the settings to your liking. Thanks to the larger screen, the Steam Deck is an excellent device torun classic Game Boy games.
