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TheGame Boy Advancewas an amazing little handheld and also a vast improvement over the original Game Boy and the Game Boy Color. It boasted a bigger screen, better graphics, colors, and sound, and it was a huge success story for theNintendobrand.
Unfortunately, many games in the GBA’s vast library aren’t playable on modern consoles, but thanks to emulators on theSteam Deck, you can play your favorite games on Valve’s powerful handheld. Here’s how to install EmuDeck, install the GBA games, and add them to the Steam Deck’s library along withyour official Steam games.
Updated Aug 02, 2025 by Michael Llewellyn:The Steam Deck is the best way to play retro handheld consoles, such as the Game Boy Advance. To achieve optimal performance, it’s recommended to install Decky Loader alongside the EmuDeck app. However, to install Decky Loader you’ll be required to enter a sudo password. This guide is updated to include the steps for creating a sudo password so you can install Decky Loader and other third-party applications.
Requirements Before Installing Emulators On The Steam Deck
Before running emulators such asEmuDeck, ensure you have configured your Steam Deck with the necessary tools and settings:
Game Boy Advance file names end with .gbc
Switch On Developer Mode
With the Steam Deck ready, it’s time to switch over toDesktop Modeand download the necessary files to use EmuDeck, RetroArch, and the Steam ROM Manager.
Adding Game Boy Advance Games To The Steam Deck
With EmuDeck installed, you can add yourGBA ROMsto the correct folder using the following steps:
.gba
Adding Games With Steam ROM Manager
Playing GBA Games On The Steam Deck
With the Steam ROM Manager finished, it’s time toswitch back to Gaming Modeon the Steam Deck and play the games.
Playing GBA Games With Emulation Station
Following the above steps, EmuDeck will also set up Emulation Station, providing an alternative method for you to enjoy yourfavorite Game Boy Advance gamesoutside the Steam Deck’s library, should you choose.
Change The UI In Emulation Station
If you want Emulation Station to list your games with their box art and metadata within the UI so they look more organized and presentable, use the following steps to change the presentation:
Install Decky Loader For The Steam Deck
Should the settings mentioned not yield optimal performance on the Steam Deck, EmuDeck developers suggest installing Power Tools. This plugin uses the Decky Loader application to install and run. Follow these steps to install them on your Steam Deck:
Create A Sudo Password
The Decky Loader program may require yoursudo password.To set this up use the following steps:
Install Power Tools
Once the Decky Loader is installed, it is time to install Power Tools through the Decky Loader application. Use the following steps to get your plugin ready to improve the performance of your GBA games:
Power Tools Settings For Emulated Games
Fixing Decky Loader After A Steam Deck Update
The Steam Deck’s biggest updates cause problems when running third-party apps and plugins like Decky Loader. The latest removed the program from the Quick Access Menu. Thankfully, the steps below will allow you to restore your app without losing your settings and plugins:
Games will perform better with these settings. There may be an occasional drop between transitional screens, but Steam Deck users will get improved performance overall.
That’s what you need to know to play Game Boy Advance games using the Steam Deck’s main library or through Emulation Station’s built-in UI. It’s surprising howvisually impressive GBA titlesstill look today, boasting a fantastic library of RPGs and adventure games that have managed to stand the test of time.
