Quick Links
The NES or Nintendo Entertainment System helped pull console gaming back into the mainstream afterthe infamous Video Game Crash of 1983. It was marketed as an entertainment system that fit neatly under the television, alongside the VCR.
It boasted light gun games suitable for the whole family and, of course, the iconicMario. Next to the brilliantSuper Mario Bros.games, there wereThe Legend of Zelda, Castlevania 3, Dragon Quest,and more. For those looking to play their favorite NES games on their Steam Deck via emulation, here’s how to do so.
Updated on April 4th, 2025, by Michael Llewellyn:The recommendation for EmuDeck users is to install Decky Loader. However, Decky Loader now requires a sudo password before installation. This guide is updated to include the steps for creating a Sudo Password. Moreover, the EmuDeck program offers synchronicity with Decky Loader and its plugins, again, requiring you to enter a Sudo Password.
Before Installing EmuDeck
Installing NES games on the Steam Deck with EmuDeck requires certain tools to ensure they run properly and preserve the health of the Steam Deck’s internal SSD.
Activate Developer Mode Features
Before installing emulators and NES games, you need to activate Developer Mode to ensure everything runs without issue. Here’s how this can be done:
Installing EmuDeck For NES Games
Transfer Your NES ROMS
you’re able to now transfer your NES ROMs so they run through EmuDeck’s designated file system.
Adding NES Games To The Steam Library
Emulation Station and RetroArch are robust tools capable of running emulated games in Desktop Mode. However, the goal is to seamlesslyintegrate NES games into the Steam Deck’s library, enabling them to function as if they were official games. Use the following steps to add games with the Steam ROM Manager:
Fix Missing Artwork For NES Games
Some games may have missing or incorrect cover art attributed to them. To fix this issue, use the following steps:
The artwork might not be available in the Steam ROM Manager’s database for some classic games. If this occurs, you will need to upload the artwork manually.
Find And Play Your NES Games On Steam Deck
Now that the Steam ROM Manager has allocated artwork and added the games to the Steam library, it’s time to locate and play your NES games.
Improve Performance
you’re able to increase the frame rate to improvethe performance of your favorite NES games. Use the following steps to set your performance for specific games:
Increasing the framerate should also fix audio and stuttering issues that may occur from playing retro titles on the Steam Deck.
Play NES Games With Emulation Station
Emulation Station is a program that consolidates all your emulated games in one location. To play NES games from Emulation Station onthe Steam Deck’s Gaming Mode, follow these steps:
Install Decky Loader For The Steam Deck
The EmuDeck developers recommend installing Decky Loader and one of its best plugins, Power Tools, for optimal performance. Use the following steps to install the Decky Loader program first.
Create A Sudo Password
Install Power Tools
The next step after installing Decky Loader is to install Power Tools. To finish the installation, follow the instructions below.
Power Tools Settings For Emulated Games
Fixing Decky Loader After A Steam Deck Update
The most significant Steam Deck updates can alter the settings in the Steam Deck menu inadvertently removing third-party apps like Decky Loader. Use the following steps to restore with your settings intact:
This is all you need to play NES games on the Steam Deck and integrate them into your library as if they were official titles.
