Steam Deck: How To Run Nintendo DS Games

As someone who’s been navigating the digital landscape for quite some time now, I must say that the process of setting up and playing Nintendo DS games on the Steam Deck is as straightforward as it gets! First things first, you’ll want to dive into the NDS folder within your system and transfer those precious DS files into the empty folder.

The Nintendo DS was an outstanding portable gaming device that housed some of the most innovative and enjoyable games for a particular era. Regrettably, numerous classics from this console can’t be found on contemporary platforms. Even if you own these games, the lack of functioning options to play them on modern devices becomes an issue once your DS stops working.

On your Steam Deck, EmuDeck acts as an entrance to classic gaming, making it possible to run titles spanning multiple eras, even those originally from the Nintendo DS. This tutorial will walk you through the process of installing EmuDeck and setting it up so you can relish in playing your favorite DS games on your Steam Deck.

Enable Developer Mode On The Steam Deck

Steam Deck: How To Run Nintendo DS Games

To make sure your Steam Deck works seamlessly with future updates of EmuDeck, don’t forget to activate Developer Mode and CEF Remote Debugging prior to installation.

Switch on the Steam Deck.
Press the Steam button to access the Steam Menu.
Open the System menu and switch on Developer Mode.
Open the Developer menu.
In the Developer menu, switch on CEF Remote Debugging.
Press the Steam Button, and select the Power menu.
Switch to Desktop Mode.

Before Installing EmuDeck On Steam Deck…

Steam Deck: How To Run Nintendo DS Games

You’ll need a high-speed A2 micro SD card to install the EmuDeck and games. Format the SD card on the Steam Deck.
DS ROMs for the games – DS files end with .nds.
You can use a keyboard and mouse to make installation and transferring files easier.

Switch To Desktop Mode On Steam Deck

Press the Steam button, select Power, and switch to Desktop Mode.
Open a browser and download EmuDeck.
Select download, and select the Steam OS version.
Run the installer and select Custom.
Click on the SD card image.
Then select the Steam Deck.
Select RetroArch, MelonDS, Steam R OM Manager, and Emulation Station. Or install all emulators for later use.
Skip the next few screens and select Finalize to initiate the installation.

Transfer DS Files & Add Them To The Steam Deck Library

Now, let’s move your DS files into the appropriate folders, enabling the EmuDeck software to recognize them within the Steam Rom Manager. In simpler terms, we want to place your DS files correctly so that the EmuDeck program can find and manage them using the Steam Rom Manager.

Click on the Dolphin File Manager.
Click on the SD card labeled as Primary.
Click the split option.
In one square, select Emulation and ROMS.
Click on the folder named NDS.
Copy your DS files into the empty folder.

Add The Games With Steam ROM Manager

In Desktop Mode, reopen EmuDeck.
Open Steam ROM Manager from the left panel and click yes.
Then click on Next.
Click on the two Nintendo DS windows.
Click on Add Games and then click on Parse.
The Steam ROM Manager will prepare your games and their covers.

Fix Missing Covers For DS Games On The Steam Deck

Usually, the Steam ROM Manager will identify and include most game covers in your Steam Deck’s Gaming Mode and library. But for some rare or foreign games, the covers might not appear. Here’s a simple guide on how to resolve any missing cover issues:

If you have missing covers, select Fix.
Type the game’s title in the Fix Artwork and Title search bar.
Select one of the game covers on the sidebar and scroll until you find a suitable cover.
Click the cover so it is highlighted in white.
Then click Save and close in the top right of the Steam Rom Manager.

Add Your Own Covers

You may be required to add your own covers if the SRM can’t find them. Use a Google image search to locate your game’s cover and follow the steps below.

Instead of Fix, click Upload.
Locate and add your image.
Then select Save and Close.
Close SRM and switch back to Gaming Mode.

Play Your DS Games In Gaming Mode

Press the Steam button to access the Library option.
Select the Collections.
Select the Nintendo DS folder and select your game to play.

Performance Tip

Press the QAM button when your DS game launches – the three-dotted button underneath the right trackpad.
Open the Performance menu from the QAM.
Switch on Use per-game profile.
Then, increase the frame rate to 60 FPS to fix any potential slow-down issues.

Here’s a way to rephrase it using simpler, more conversational language: You can easily switch up where you play your Nintendo DS games by following these steps to set it up on the Steam Deck! Enjoy your gaming experience in a new way!

2024-09-27 05:04