Quick Links
TheSteam Deckis a great way to play some of the best modern and retro games from your Steam library. Thanks to the PC-like nature of the Steam Deck and its near-endless customization,Game Boy Colorfans can play their favorite games on the Steam Deck. Thanks to the tools provided by EmuDeck, you’re able to play your GBC games through the library along with your official games. This guide will show you how to install EmuDeck, add your games, and customize the Game Boy Color’s settings within the RetroArch emulator.
Updated July 24, 2025 by Michael Llewellyn:The Steam Deck is a fantastic way to play retro handheld games like Game Boy Color titles and feels like a natural successor. However, even the most retro titles can run into stability issues without the right settings.
The EmuDeck developers recommend installing Power Tools through the Decky Loader app for better performance. This guide is updated to include the steps to install Decky, the Power Tools plugin, and a fix to ensure compatibility for future Steam Deck updates.
Before Downloading EmuDeck
Before attempting to download EmuDeck to play retro games on the Steam Deck, there are vital steps to ensure you’re prepared for the installation. Use the following steps:
Developer Mode
Recommended Steps
Ensure the microSD card is formatted on the Steam Deck under System Settings, and below the Developer Mode option.
With everything set up for the installation, it’s time to switch over to Steam Deck’s Desktop Mode to utilize the hardware’sLinux OSand install and transfer everything to the correct folders.
Quick Settings
Add Game Boy Color Games To The Steam Deck
With EmuDeck set up and installed, it’s time to place yourbest GBC gamesinto their correct folders.
.gbc
Add GBC Games To The Steam Deck Library
With the Game Boy Color games in place, you need to add the games and their cover art to the Steam library with the Steam ROM Manager.
Playing Game Boy Color Games On The Steam Deck
After the Steam ROM Manager has finished adding the games to the Steam library, it’s time to locate and play yourfavorite GBC games.
Access RetroArch’s Settings
With your Game Boy Color game playing, at the title screenpress the Select button- above the left analog stick and theY button together.
Play Game Boy Color Games With Emulation Station
The Emulation Station is an alternative way to run your GBC games and keep your retro gaming library in an organized UI.
Install Decky Loader For The Steam Deck
Should the steps outlined above fail to optimize the performance of GBA games on the Steam Deck, EmuDeck developers suggest the installation of Power Tools. This plugin is installed with the Decky Loader application. To install them on your Steam Deck, use the following steps.
Install Power Tools
Once you have installed the Decky Loader app, the next step is to use the Decky Loader program to install Power Tools. Follow the steps below to complete the installation.
Power Tools Settings For Emulated Games
Fixing Decky Loader After A Steam Deck Update
In most cases enabling Developer Mode and the above settings should protect you from incompatibility between the Steam Deck’s UI and Decky Loader. However, the major updates that add new features can remove it entirely from your Quick Access Menu. These steps will show you how to restore your Decky Loader, the saved plugins, and your settings.
That’s everything required to play your favorite Game Boy Color games on the Steam Deck through EmuDeck and its built-in emulators, such as RetroArch and Emulation Station.
