The era of GameCube and Wii games is back, and Steam Deck owners can now relive these classics thanks to EmuDeck. This guide will walk you through the process of setting up and playing GameCube and Wii games on your Steam Deck.
Getting Ready for EmuDeck Installation
Before diving into the world of classic gaming, make sure to have the following items handy:
- High-speed A2 Micro SD card: Extra storage is essential for installing emulated games and preserving internal storage for more demanding titles. It also safeguards the Steam Deck's SSD from potential errors. The micro SD card slots into the device's underside.
- GameCube and Wii ROMS: Legally owned digital game ROMS are required for backing up your games.
- Keyboard and mouse: Enhance your user experience by using a keyboard and mouse in Desktop Mode on the Steam Deck.
Installing EmuDeck on your Steam Deck
To begin your gaming journey, you need the Dolphin emulator and the EmuDeck program. Here's how to get started:
- Press the Steam button below the left trackpad.
- Select Power and switch to Desktop Mode.
- Wait for the Steam Deck's Desktop OS to load, then download EmuDeck using the provided link.
- Choose the SteamOS version and download it.
Setting Up the EmuDeck Program
With EmuDeck downloaded, it's time to install the necessary programs for running GameCube and Wii games:
- Launch the EmuDeck installer by double-clicking on the icon.
- Opt for Custom Install and select the micro SD card to install EmuDeck.
- Click on the Steam Deck image and choose the Dolphin emulator for GameCube games.
- Ensure to select the Steam Rom Manager option for easy access to emulated games from Steam OS.
- Complete the installation by configuring options and selecting Finish.
Transferring GameCube And Wii ROMS
After installation, transfer your legally acquired ROMS to the appropriate folder following these steps:
- Access the Steam Deck's file manager, known as Dolphin.
- Locate and open the Emulation folder on the primary micro SD card.
- Choose the ROMS folder and copy GameCube and Wii ROM files accordingly.
Enjoying GameCube & Wii Games on Steam Deck
Once the files are transferred, it's time to add and play the games on Steam OS:
Save To The Steam Library
- Reopen EmuDeck and select Steam Rom Manager.
- Enable Toggle Parsers and click Parse to preview and save artwork for GameCube and Wii ROMS.
- Finalize by selecting Save to Steam.
Steam Deck Gaming Mode
After saving games to the Steam Library, follow these steps to start playing:
- Return to Gaming Mode from Desktop screen.
- Access Library by pressing the Steam button and selecting Collections.
- Open dedicated folders for GameCube and Wii games and play them seamlessly.
Now you're all set to dive into the nostalgia of GameCube and Wii games on your Steam Deck!