Steam Deck – How to Run GameCube and Wii Games

The GameCube had a library of excellent games, ranging from first-party Nintendo exclusives to excellent third-party titles that never made it to the PlayStation 2 or the Xbox. Unfortunately, hooking up an older console without an HDMI-converting device on a modern TV can make the experience a nightmare for most players.

Steam Deck owners can play most of the GameCube’s library using EmuDeck. The EmuDeck program allows users to run classic games via emulation on the handheld PC. This guide will show users how to install the program and run GameCube and Wii games on the Steam Deck.

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Steam Deck: How To Run PS2 Games With EmuDeck

Thanks to the EmuDeck program, it is possible to play PS2 games on your Steam Deck.

Updated April 19, 2024, by Michael Llewellyn: The EmuDeck is a powerful tool that allows users to run multiple emulators under one application and add them to the Steam library. Thanks to the latest updates, it has undergone some changes, so this guide has been expanded to reflect the new steps that gamers will need to follow if they want to play GameCube and Wii titles on it. It also details the steps needed for adapting the Steam Deck’s Gyro controls to the Wii’s motion system.

Before Installing EmuDeck On The Steam Deck

Players will need the following equipment to install Dolphin on the Steam Deck:

• High-speed A2 Micro SD card: The extra storage is required to install emulated games and keep the internal storage for faster and more demanding titles. Moreover, it ensures the Steam Deck’s SSD is safe from potential errors. Micro SD cards slot into the underneath of the device.
• GameCube and Wii ROMS: Players can have digital ROMS of games they legally own to back up their content.
• Keyboard and mouse: Using the Steam Deck in Desktop Mode is a more user-friendly experience with a keyboard and mouse.

How To Download EmuDeck For The Steam Deck

The Dolphin emulator is required to run GameCube and Wii games on the Steam Deck. Thankfully, the EmuDeck program makes installing the apps less challenging by removing the complications and making the experience as smooth as possible. Use the following steps to install EmuDeck:

• Press the Steam button underneath the left trackpad.
• Select the Power option.
• Switch to Desktop Mode.
• Wait a few moments for the device to switch to the Steam Deck’s Desktop OS.
• Open a favored browser and download EmuDeck using this link.
• Select the SteamOS version and download it.

How To Install The EmuDeck Program

With the EmuDeck app downloaded, it’s time to install the required programs to run GameCube and Wii games on the Steam Deck:

• Double-click on the EmuDeck icon to launch the installer.
• Select Custom Install.

• Click on the micro SD card image to install EmuDeck.
• Then click on the Steam Deck image.

• Players can choose from a range of Emulators, but if users only want to run GameCube games, select Dolphin. It’s worth installing more emulators as this takes advantage of the EmuDeck’s all-in-one features.
• Ensure the Steam Rom Manager option is also checked. This makes emulated games available from the Steam OS.
• Switch AutoSave on.
• Skip the Achievements section for now as this can be activated later.
• Configure Game Bezels to on.
• Skip Configure LCD Shader for Handheld System unless other emulators have been downloaded. This option can be switched to off for a brighter screen.
• For old-school TV shaders, configure CRT Shader for Classic 2D Games On.
• Select All Frontends for Steam Deck – Steam Library is the most important.
• Select Finish to complete the installation of Dolphin via EmuDeck.

Transferring GameCube And Wii ROMS

Steam Deck users must transfer their legally acquired ROMS to the correct folder. GameCube and Wii ROMS have the same extensions – .ciso .dol .elf .gcm .gcz .iso .m3u .nkit .rvz .wad .wbfs .wia. With the files at hand, use the following steps:

• Open the Steam Deck’s file manager – also called Dolphin.
• Click on the micro SD card named Primary and select the Emulation folder.
• Select the ROMS folder.
• For GameCube games, copy the ROM files to the GameCube folder.
• For Wii games, copy the ROM files to the Wii folder.

Related

Steam Deck: How to Run SNES Games With EmuDeck

Gamers can expand the Steam Deck’s library by emulating SNES games, and here’s how to do it.

How To Run GameCube & Wii Games On The Steam Deck

After the files have finished transferring, it’s time to add the games to the Steam OS and play them:

Save to the Steam Library

• Reopen the EmuDeck program.
• Select Steam Rom Manager and Launch.
• Switch Toggle Parsers On.
• Then select Preview.
• Click on Parse.
• Steam Deck users can now select the artwork and covers for GameCube and Wii ROMS.
• When finished, select Save to Steam.

Steam Deck Gaming Mode

After EmuDeck has finished saving the artwork and games to the Steam Library, use the following steps to play the games:

• Select Return to Gaming Mode on the Desktop screen.
• Press the Steam button and select Library.
• Press the R1 button to select Collections.
• The GameCube and Wii games will have their dedicated folders.
• Open the folders and run the games like they are part of the official Steam Deck Library of games.

How To Configure The Steam Deck’s Controls

Some GameCube and Wii games use motion controls. This is tricky to replicate on a normal controller unless the game supports it. Thankfully, the EmuDeck includes third-party support that utilizes the Steam Deck’s Gryo controls instead of the motion controls. Use the following steps to configure the Steam Deck’s controls for Wii games:

• In Desktop Mode, open the EmuDeck application.
• Scroll down the left panel and click Gyroscope under Third Party tools.
• Then click Install SteamDeckGyroDSU.
• Close the run box when the installation has finished, and the Steam Deck’s controls will be ready to be configured to the Wii’s motion controls.
• Next, open the Dolphin Emulator under All Applications.
• Click Options and Controller Settings.
• Click Configure next to Wii Remote 1.
• Under Device, select Steam Deck from the Dropdown menu.

The results are variable, and some games may have issues, but Steam Deck users can always switch back to the default device if they prefer. That’s everything players need to run GameCube and Wii games on the Steam Deck.

Valve Steam Deck

Dimensions

16 x 5 x 3 inches

Brand

Valve

Weight

3.54 pounds

Battery

2 Lithium Ion batteries required