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The Nintendo 64 has an excellent library of exclusives whether it’s the legendary007 Goldeneye, Ogre Battle 64,or arguably the greatest library of wrestling games from AKI likeWCW/NWO RevengeandWWF No Mercy.Thanks to theSteam Deckand a powerful program called EmuDeck. EmuDeck does all the hard work for you and runs retro games on Valve’s handheld PC. This guide will walk you through the process of installing EmuDeck and ensuring thatN64games run smoothly on the Steam Deck.
Updated June 04, 2025 by Michael Llewellyn:The Decky Loader program is a recommended app by the developers of Decky Loader and now includes integration between them so Decky can seamlessly with your emulated library. However, the Decky Loader program requires a sudo password before installing it. This guide is updated to include the steps for creating a sudo password so you can install Decky without issue.
Before Installing The Emulator
Before downloading the emulator and transferring the ROMs onto the Steam Deck, you should grab the following tools:
Activate Developer Mode
The Steam Deck’s Developer Mode will give you access to more customization options and ensure you don’t run into issues running emulators and emulated games on the handheld:
Downloading EmuDeck On The Steam Deck
With the tools in place, it’s time to download the EmuDeck program to run your favorite Nintendo 64 games on the handheld:
Desktop Mode
Transfer The N64 ROMS
There are two N64 folders created by the emulators, but place the games inside the N64 folder, not the N64dd folder.
Ensure the Nintendo 64 ROMs have the correct file name extensions. Use the following table as a guideline:
.z64 .v64 .n64
Steam ROM Manager
Now it’s time to add theNintendo 64 gamesto the Steam Deck’s Gaming Mode so they appear in your gaming library with your official games.
Playing N64 Games On The Steam Deck
With the Steam Deck in Gaming Mode, it’s time to locate and play your N64 games from the Steam library.
Install Decky Loader On The Steam Deck
If the above steps and the Developer Mode settings don’t improve the performance of your N64 games, you’ll need toinstall Decky Loader program and Power Tools plugin. Decky Loader allows you to install quality-of-life plugins like Power Tools and more to improve your experience with the Steam Deck. Use the following steps to install the program and the plugin:
Connecting a wireless or wired keyboard and mouse to the Steam Deck is recommended for better navigation. Or you may use the onscreen keyboard and trackpads.
Creating A Sudo Password
The Decky Loader program and many other third-party applications will require a sudo password to ensure the safety of the Steam Deck’s OS. Use the following steps to create a sudo password for all of your third-party apps.
Install The Power Tools Plugin
For better performance with N64 emulators and games, the EmuDeck developers suggest installing the Power Tools plugin. Use the following steps to install the plugin and adjust the settings.
Power Tools Settings For Emulated Games
Restoring Decky Loader After A Steam Deck Update
The Steam Deck receives regular significant updates that can alter the UI and introduce new features. This may disrupt compatibility with the Decky Loader program, removing it from your Quick Access Menu on the Steam Deck. Follow these steps to restore your app, personalized settings, and plugins:
That’s everything you need to know to runN64 gameson the Steam Deck using the correct settings and frame rates for the best possible performance.
