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TheSteam Deckis a gaming device and a pocket PC that offers gamers one of the most versatile and portable ways of playing modern and classic games available anywhere. It can be used as a desktop PC for work with the correct set-up and as a powerful equivalent to the Nintendo Switch.
The system’s backward compatibility can be extended further byplaying classic PlayStation (PS1) gamesusing an emulator for a stunningly nostalgic experience. To get classic PS1 games, Steam Deck users must install the correct emulator. This guide will provide the best methods for installing andplaying PS1 games on the Steam Deck.
Updated Jul 02, 2025, by Michael Llewellyn:The EmuDeck program is an outstanding all-in-one emulation program that lets you run classic PS1 games and more. For this, however, it’s advisable to install a third-party app called Decky Loader in order to install a plugin called Power Tools. As such, this guide has been updated to outline the steps needed to install them. It also details a fix that can be used if any of the latest Steam Deck updates break the Decky Loader program.
How To Install DuckStation On The Steam Deck
To run PS1 games on the Steam Deck, users must install the DuckStation emulator. This guide will useEmuDecktoinstall multiple emulatorsand configure all the necessary settings.
Before Installing Emulators
Players will need the equipment below to install an emulator on the Steam Deck:
Enable Developer Mode
Before switching to Desktop Mode, you must enable the Developer Mode settings on your Steam Deck to maintain stability for programs like EmuDeck and any third-party plugins. Use the following steps to activate Decky Loader:
It’s recommended to check your developer mode settings after every major update. Updates may cause developer mode to be disabled by default and disabling CEF Remote Debugging. Applications and plugins, such as EmuDeck, can lose synchronization with the regular updates of Steam Deck in Beta or Beta Candidate modes. It’s therefore advisable to operate the handheld in Stable mode as described above.
How To Install Decky Loader & Power Tools On The Steam Deck
Decky Loader is an invaluable third-party program that lets you safely get the best performance out of your Steam Deck using plugins. To get PS1 games running as smoothly as possible, you’ll need Decky Loader and Power Tools. Use the following steps to install both:
With Decky Loader installed, it’s time to install the Power Tools plugin via the Decky Loader application. The following steps can be used to install it:
Power Tools Settings For Retro Games
How To Fix Decky Loader After A Steam Deck Update
The most recent update for the Steam Deck may have caused the Decky Loader application to be removed from your QAM. To restore it, follow the steps below:
How To Install The PS1 Emulator On The Steam Deck
To get DuckStation running on the Steam Deck with EmuDeck, use the following steps:
Where To Place Bios And ROM Files On The Steam Deck
Assuming that Steam Deck users have legally obtained ROMs and have sourced the required Bios files to get their PS1 games running, players must know where to install them on the Steam Deck. EmuDeck has a built-in easy installation method, but manually placing the files in the correct folders is the most reliable. Use the following steps to place ROMs and Bios files in their proper folders:
The ROM Files
How To Add PS1 Games To The Steam Deck Library
With the PS1 emulator installed and the games in place, it is time to add them to the Steam Deck library under a new Collection tab.Players can launch the PS1 games from the DuckStation emulator, but EmuDeck allows them to add the games to the Steam Library with complete artwork. Use the following steps to add the emulated titles:
How To Fix Missing Artwork On EmuDeck
The Steam Rom Manager has a vast range of images and cover art for games across multiple platforms. Most players will find what they need with official artwork and alternative game covers for use on the Steam Deck’s library. However, there may be instances where the artwork is missing, and the user will need to fix it or add it themselves.
Some more obscure, Japanese, untranslated, or modded games may have missing art for the EmuDeck. Players can upload and add their own covers and artwork by using the following steps:
Gaming Mode
Accessing The PS1 Emulator’s Settings On Steam Deck
Most games will run and boot without issue. However, some some Steam Deck users may want to adjust and experiment with the PS1 game’s settings to try and get better performance out of them. To access more advanced emulator settings, use the following steps:
Apply DuckStation Controller Settings
To get the best experience out of the PS1 emulator, players will want to installthe DuckStation controller inputto access the emulator’s hotkeys and shortcuts. To install the correct controller settings, use the following steps:
Playing PS1 Games With Multiple Disks On The Steam Deck
SeveralPS1 games come in multiple disks. This includesFinal Fantasy 7, Xenogears,and more. As a result, the Steam Deck gaming library may not distinguish between the files or find the second, third, or fourth disk at all. The following steps can be used to play titles with multiple disks:
This a much better and more efficient method of playing multi-disk games than using the double tap trick to access DuckStation. Emulation Station still utilizes the DuckStation emulator, but it places everything into a neat menu screen. It’s also a viable option for Steam Deck users who prefer not to have their emulated games appear on the SteamOS home screen.
How To Fix Slow Games On EmuDeck
Some games may encounter FPS issues when running from the emulation app on the Steam Deck. As a result, the games can behave like they are in slow motion and even freeze. The following steps can be used to fix this issue:
The increased frame rate should fix most issues with gaming slowdown. However, players may want to experiment with 40 FPS or switch on theDisable Frame Limitand theAllow Tearingoptions. Disabling the frame limit will allow games to run as fast as the Steam Deck allows. I
It’s also worth noting that the higher the frame rate, the more power the Steam Deck will consume.
Running PS1 Games With RetroArch
RetroArch offers Steam Deck users an alternative method for playing PS1 and other games. Use the following steps to play with RetroArch:
