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The Sega CD, or Mega CD, was an accessory for the Sega Megadrive/Genesis, allowing the machine to play more advanced games, effectively making it a new console. It wasn’t a runaway success for the company, but it was a glimpse into the future of CD gaming with its FMV sequences and more. Beyond the cutscenes, the Sega CD boasted superior audio quality due to its CD format, offering an experience that was a significant departure from the MIDI sounds of traditional gaming cartridges.
The Sega CD received enhanced ports ofMegadrive/Genesisgames likeBatman Returnsand featured titles likeLuna Silver Star StoryandSnatcherthat used voice and FMV cutscenes. Thanks to programs like EmuDeck on the Steam Deck, you’re able to relive the ’90s and play your favorite Sega CD games. This guide will demonstrate how to do so.
Updated June 12, 2025, by Michael Llewellyn:To run Sega CD games on the Steam Deck, you need the Decky Loader program for optimal performance. However, installing the Decky Loader app now requires a sudo password. This guide has been updated to include the steps for creating a sudo password, allowing you to install Decky and other third-party applications.
Developer Mode And Recommendations Before Installation
Before installing EmuDeck on the Steam Deck you should enable Developer Mode and CEF Remote Debugging to ensure the Steam Deck remains compatible with the EmuDeck’s updates.
Format Your SD Card
Transfer Your Sega CD Files To The Correct Folder
It’s time to move your ROMs and BIOS files into the appropriate folders on the Steam Deck.
Transfer Your Sega CD ROMS
Add Your ROMS With Steam ROM Manager
Now it’s time to get your Sega CD ROMS to work from the Steam Deck’s Gaming Mode by adding them to the Library so they function like your official games.
Fix Missing Covers
The Steam ROM Manager typically identifies and adds all your covers to the Steam Deck’s Gaming Mode and library. Nonetheless, certain obscure or imported titles might not appear. To address any missing covers, follow these steps:
Add Your Downloaded Covers
You may be required to add your covers if the SRM can’t find them. Use a Google image search to locate your game’s cover and follow the steps below.
Play Your Sega CD Games On The Steam Deck
The Sega CD games can now be found and played from the Steam Deck’s Gaming Mode.
Emulation Station
If you followed the steps above, you should have installed Emulation Station. It’s an excellent way to organize your games and play them with a different library setup.
Emulation Station is the best way to play games that require multiple CDs as they are clearly labeled.
The Emulation Station program will locate and find your copied games, metadata, and cover art for display within its menu.
Install Decky Loader For The Steam Deck
To run Power Tools, tweak the SMTs, and get the performance of a retro console like the Sega CD, the EmuDeck developers also advise you to install the Decky Loader app. To do so, follow these steps.
Creating A Sudo Password
If the Decky Loader program requires yoursudo password,use the following steps to create a new one:
Install Power Tools
After you have installed the DeckyLoader app, use the Decky Loader program to install PowerTools. To complete the installation, follow the steps outlined below.
Optimal Emulation Settings For Power Tools
Fixing Decky Loader After A Steam Deck Update
The Decky Loader application may get deleted from your QAM due to a major Steam Deck update. To restore it, follow these steps.
That’s everything required to install and run EmuDeck to play your favorite Sega CD games on the Steam Deck.
