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TheSteam Deckis a portable PC and a gaming device with access to one of the most vast gaming libraries available. Gamers can use it like a handheld gaming device, play it on the TV, switch to Desktop Mode, and use it like a fully functional PC to play games specifically designed for the PC, like RTS and point-and-click titles.
With the right tools, Steam Deck users can transform it into one of the best available emulation devices and expand their gaming library with their SNES collection. Decades later, the Super Nintendo still has one of the best all-time gaming libraries, withtitles likeChrono TriggerandFinal Fantasy 6being just two incredible examples. For those looking to dive into this realm of gaming, this guide will show players how to install andrun SNES games on the Steam Deck.
Updated June 08, 2025 by Michael Llewellyn:The developers of EmuDeck recommend installing Decky Loader and using its highly useful plugin, Power Tools, for optimal performance with SNES games on the Steam Deck.
This guide has been updated to include steps for installing Decky Loader and Power Tools, as well as instructions on how to recover the Decky Loader app if it stops working due to a Steam Deck update.
Before Installing SNES Emulators On The Steam Deck
Before installing emulators and trying to run SNES games on the Steam Deck, users must acquire the following items:
Enable Developer Mode On The Steam Deck
After setting up the Steam Deck to run emulators and install third-party programs you should enable Developer Mode and activate the required setting to ensure EmuDeck, and RetroArch are running perfectly.
Valve is always hard at work maintaining the Steam Deck’s performance and adding new features. However, these features require several updates when running the Steam Deck in stable, beta, preview, or testing modes. Unfortunately, the updates can interfere with Steam Deck’s Developer Mode settings and disable CEF Debugging. If the emulators or related plugins are not working properly, double-check the Developer settings and make sure the above settings are enabled.
How To Install The SNES Emulator On Steam Deck
To run SNES games and other emulators on the Steam Deck, users will needRetroArchrunning on the Emudeck program. Emudeck does all the hard work and places SNES ROMS into the SteamOS library to make them accessible from the home screen and run with the best available programs. The following steps can be used to install EmuDeck on the Steam Deck:
How To Transfer ROMS On The Steam Deck
Assuming that Steam Deck users have their SNES ROMS downloaded and ready, they must transfer them into the correct folders so Retroarch and Emudeck can identify them. Use the following steps to transfer ROMS:
How To Add Games To SteamOS
With EmuDeck, Steam Deck users can add the games to their main library and collections. To do this, use the following steps:
How To Fix Missing Artwork On The EmuDeck
In some cases,the cover artfor some older, modified, or obscure video games may be missing from the Steam Rom Manager. To fix missing images on the EmuDeck, use the following steps:
Uploading Missing Artwork
If the Steam Rom Manager can’t locate the correct cover art, Steam Deck users can upload their own:
How To Play SNES Games On The Steam Deck
The SNES games will be added to the library, accessed by pressing theSteam button. EmuDeck should add a new tab calledCollections.Most games will work without issue, but some titles can perform like they are in slow motion. The following steps can be used to fix this:
Using RetroArch
Even though most SNES games should run without issue from the Steam Deck’s library, some users mayencounter freezing issues. Sometimes, launching games from the RetroArch emulator is the best way to run the game. The following steps can be used to do so:
How To Fix Slowdown On SNES Games In EmuDeck
Some older games can run into issues that cause stuttering and slowdown, making them near-unplayable on the Steam Deck. Thankfully, with a quick fix in the handheld’s settings, the games will run better and have improved stability:
Install Decky Loader On The Steam Deck
In addition to improving retro game performance on the Steam Deck by enabling Developer Mode, it’s recommended to install Decky Loader and its plugin, Power Tools. Power Tools gives you the ability to control the SMTs (Simultaneous Multithreading) to optimize performance for older games. Follow the steps below to install Decky Loader and Power Tools, and learn how to adjust the settings effectively.
Install The Power Tools Plugin
To enhance performance with the RetroArch SNES emulator, the EmuDeck developers recommend installing the Power Tools plugin. Follow these steps to install the plugin and adjust the settings.
Power Tools Settings For Emulated Games
Restoring Decky Loader After A Steam Deck Update
The Steam Deck can undergo significant updates that change the performance and the interface. This can also interfere with the Quick Access Menu, removing third-party apps like Decky Loader along with your plugins like Power Tools. Use the following steps to restore your Decky Loader as it was before the update.
