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TheSega Dreamcastwas the last machine the company launched before bowing out of the console market. It didn’t reach the heights of the PS1 and PS2 in sales, but the console was home to some memorable classics that are still worth playing today.
Games likeSoulCalibur, Jet Set Radio, Powerstone, Resident Evil - Code: Veronica,and more were a big step up from the PS1 and the N64 and even rivaled early PS2 games. Nowadays, Dreamcast fans can run their games on the handheld PC with the Steam Deck through a powerful emulator called EmuDeck.
Updated Jun 11, 2025 by Michael Llewellyn:The Flycast emulator is one of the best on the EmuDeck program. However, even Dreamcast games can run into issues if you haven’t configured your Steam Deck’s SMTs.
This can be achieved by utilizing Power Tools via the Decky Loader app as recommended by the EmuDeck development team. This updated guide includes the steps to install Decky Loader, Power Tools, and a fix to recover your Decky Loader app after a Steam Deck update.
Before Installing EmuDeck On The Steam Deck
Before installing the EmuDeck to run Sega Dreamcast games on the Steam Deck, users must have specific items and tools to make the process less challenging and keep the Steam Deck’s internal SSD safe:
Enable Developer Mode On The Steam Deck
Before installing EmuDeck for playing Dreamcast and other classic games on the Steam Deck, it is advisable to activate Developer Mode and modify certain settings. Follow these steps to access and enable the feature.
Keep an eye on the most important updates for your Steam Deck. The updates can sometimes disable developer mode or CEF debugging by default. If you use the Steam Deck in beta mode, more updates will be triggered, but if you use it in stable mode, larger and more important patches may be activated. Check the developer settings of your Steam Deck to verify the emulators are running correctly in Gaming Mode.
How To Install EmuDeck On The Steam Deck For Dreamcast Games
The EmuDeck is a fantastic program that can install multiple emulators for gaming consoles in one place, or users can single out the ones they want and stick with those. These steps focus on installing the EmuDeck program to cover all bases:
How To Add Dreamcast Games To The Steam Library
Transferring Dreamcast Files
Some Dreamcast games have different file extensions, but the .cdi is the most reliable.
Adding Dreamcast Games To The Library
With the legally owned Dreamcast game files in the correct folder, it’s time to add Dreamcast games to the Steam library.
How To Fix Missing Artwork On EmuDeck
The Steam Rom Manager has a vast database of cover art for games, but it can occasionally select the wrong cover, or there may be occasions where the appropriate art is missing altogether. Moreover, the EmuDeck can have trouble locating the art formodified or Japanese games. The following steps can be used to fix or customize missing artwork:
Some Japanese, untranslated, or modded games may cause issues for the EmuDeck. Thankfully, you can add your own covers and artwork with the following steps:
How To Play Dreamcast Games On The Steam Deck
After adding games via the Steam Rom Manager, it’s time toplay Dreamcast gamesfrom the Steam library. The following steps can be used to access the games:
If games are running slowly,press the QAS buttonunder the right trackpad, highlight thePerformancemenu,increase the Frame Limit to 60 FPS, and toggle Use per-game profile on.
Install Decky Loader On The Steam Deck
If previous measures don’t improve your Sega Dreamcast games' performance, install Decky Loader and Power Tools. Decky Loader allows for adding plugins like Power Tools, which can significantly enhance your Steam Deck experience. Follow the steps to install them both.
Install The Power Tools Plugin
The EmuDeck developers suggest installing the Power Tools plugin to get better performance from retro titles like Sega Dreamcast games. Use the following steps to install the plugin and adjust the settings.
Power Tools Settings For Emulated Games
Restore Your Decky Loader After A Steam Deck Update
With significant Steam Deck updates altering the UI, menus, and adding new features, they can disrupt the function of the Decky Loader program which is merged into your Quick Access Menu. Unfortunately, the update may remove the program altogether. Follow these steps to restore your Decky Loader program:
