Emulation setup
EmuDeck
Install and configure emulators, then add your own games to Steam. A starting point for setting up an emulation library on the Deck.
EmulationAuto SetupSteam Library
Steam Deck ยท Emulation & your library
Compare EmuDeck and RetroDECK, then organize game shortcuts and artwork with Steam ROM Manager.
Emulation & your library
Emulation & your library
Choose an emulation setup, then organize your games in Steam.
Emulation setup
RetroDECK
A bundled emulation setup with a controller-friendly ES-DE frontend. Install and update through Flathub, then add your own games and required BIOS files.
FlatpakES-DE FrontendController Friendly
Steam library utility
Steam ROM Manager
Add emulated games and non-Steam apps to your library with matching artwork. Configure parsers for the emulators and game folders you already use.
Library ShortcutsGame ArtworkEmulator Parsers
Set up emulation and organize your library4 steps
Choose EmuDeck or RetroDECK as your starting setup. Steam ROM Manager handles library shortcuts and artwork for an existing collection.
- In Desktop Mode, follow EmuDeck's installer guide or install RetroDECK from Discover and complete its first-run setup.
- Choose your storage location, then copy your own game dumps and required BIOS files into the setup's documented folders.
- Launch one game through the chosen frontend and check its controls before importing a larger library.
- If you want individual Steam entries, configure Steam ROM Manager for your emulator paths, preview the results, and save only the shortcuts you want.
EmuDeck and RetroDECK are alternative setups. Their documentation explains supported formats, folder locations, and emulator-specific requirements.