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TheNintendo DSwas a fantastic handheld console that became the home for some of the most creative and entertaining games in a generation. Unfortunately, many of the console’s best games aren’t available on modern systems, and even if you own the games, if the console breaks down, there are few viable options to play them on modern machines.
EmuDeck on theSteam Deckserves as a gateway to retro gaming, allowing you to play titles from various generations, including those from the DS. This guide will outline the steps to install EmuDeck and enable you to enjoy your favorite DS games on the Steam Deck.
Updated May 30, 2025, by Michael Llewellyn:Running classic Nintendo DS games on the Steam Deck is made easier with the EmuDeck program. However, to perfect your performance, you should install Decky Loader to optimize your power settings. The Decky program requires a sudo password before being installed. This guide has been updated to include the steps for setting up a sudo password.
Enable Developer Mode On The Steam Deck
Before installing EmuDeck on the Steam Deck, you shouldenable Developer Mode and CEF Remote Debuggingto ensure the Steam Deck remains compatible with the EmuDeck’s updates.
Switch To Desktop Mode On Steam Deck
Transfer DS Files & Add Them To The Steam Deck Library
Now, it’s time to transfer your DS files to their correct folders so the EmuDeck program can detect them in theSteam ROM Manager.
Add The Games With Steam ROM Manager
Fix Missing Covers For DS Games On The Steam Deck
Most of the time, the Steam ROM Manager will find and locate all of your covers and add them to the Steam Deck’s Gaming Mode and the library. However, some obscure or imported titles may not show. Use the following steps to fix any missing covers:
Add Your Own Covers
You may be required to add your own covers if the SRM can’t find them. Use a Google image search to locate your game’s cover and follow the steps below.
Performance Tip
Install Decky Loader For The Steam Deck
If the above settings fail to optimize performance for DS games on the Steam Deck, EmuDeck developers suggest installing Power Tools via the Decky Loader program. Follow these steps to install them on your Steam Deck.
Create A Sudo Password
To successfully install the Decky Loader program, you’ll need to create asudo password,as administrative privileges are required for installation.Follow these steps to set up a new password:
Install Power Tools
After installing Decky Loader, the next step is to install Power Tools using the Decky Loader program. Follow the steps below to complete the installation.
Power Tools Settings For Emulated Games
Fixing Decky Loader After A Steam Deck Update
As with its latest update, major updates that bring new features to the Steam Deck may break third-party apps like Decky Loader by removing it from your QAM. Luckily, all your settings and plugins can be restored with the following steps.
That’s everything needed to play Nintendo DS on the Steam Deck and enjoy your games on a different system.
