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The versatility of theSteam Deckextends far beyond being a handheld gaming device. It can function as a working desktop PC running its built-in Linux OS, or players can use it as a retro gaming device to play classic games using an emulation program.
Thanks to the EmuDeck app, gamers can even use the Steam Deck to run PlayStation 2 games. With the EmuDeck, Steam Deck users can add their games to their Steam library - complete with artwork and game covers. For those unsure of what the process entails, here’show to run PS2 games on the Steam Deck.
Updated Aug 03, 2025 by Michael Llewellyn:The EmuDeck developers recommend using Power Tools to get the best performance out of emulated games. Power Tools is a Decky Loader program. This guide is updated to include the steps to install Decky Loader, Power Tools, and the settings to get the best performance from your PS2 games on the Steam Deck.
Preparations For EmuDeck On The Steam Deck
Before attempting to install the EmuDeck app on the Steam Deck, users should be prepared to make the installation go smoothly. Obtain the following items before installing EmuDeck:
Enable Developer Mode
To ensure EmuDeck and any related plugins are functioning correctly, it’s a good idea toenable Developer Modein the Steam Deck’s settings. Use the following steps to enable Developer Mode:
Be sure to check the Developer Mode settings after every major update. These updates can occasionally switch off CEF Debugging by default. Major updates for the Steam Deck are less frequent in Stable mode, whereas Beta mode, which provides early access to settings and tools still in development, receives updates more frequently.
Install Decky Loader For The Steam Deck
You’ll need the Power Tools plugin via the Decky Loader program to get the best out of your emulated games. Install the Decky Loader and Power Tools on the Steam Deck using the following steps.
Install Power Tools
With Decky Loader installed, it’s time to install the Power Tools plugin via the Decky Loader application. Use the following steps to install it.
Power Tools Settings For Emulated Games
How To Fix Decky Loader After The Steam Deck Update
The latest Steam Deck update may have broken the Decky Loader application by removing it from your QAM. To recover it use the following steps.
How To Install EmuDeck On The Steam Deck For PS2 Games
Use the following steps to install the EmuDeck on the Steam Deck:
How To Transfer Bios And ROM Files On The EmuDeck
With the legally obtained ROMs and the Bios files downloaded, it’s time to manually place them in their correct folders on the Steam Deck. The Bios are needed to allow the emulator to run the games flawlessly.
ROM Files
How To Add PS2 Games To The Steam Library
With the Bios and PS2 ROM files in their correct folders. It’s time to add the games to the Steam Deck library. Use the following steps to add PS2 games to the Steam library with their correct artwork and covers:
The Steam Rom Manager program places emulated games into the Steam library.
Fix Missing Artwork
In most cases, Steam Rom Manager will allocate the correct artwork for an emulated game. However, there are occasions when the artwork will be blank, or it will have added the incorrect image file. Use the following steps to fix missing artwork:
Uploading Missing Artwork
It’s possible that some game covers will be missing from the Steam Rom Manager, or maybe the Steam Deck user would prefer to upload their own. To upload an image from the game’s files, use the following steps:
With the artwork uploaded, follow the next steps to ensure the games are uploaded to the Steam library:
Saving The Game
You can save your PS2 game progressusing the in-game method by default or by utilizing the emulator’s save-anywhere system.
Improving Visual Quality
It’s possible toimprove the visual fidelity of some PS2 gamesand reduce the jaggy outlines. This can be done via the following steps, but players should be aware that the results can vary for some titles.
If games are running slow,press the QAS buttonunder the right trackpad, highlight thePerformancemenu,increase the Frame Limit to 60 FPS, and toggle Use per-game profile on.
