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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 Deckowners can play most of the GameCube’s library using EmuDeck. The EmuDeck program allows users torun classic games via emulationon the handheld PC. For those unsure about how to do so, here’s how to install the program andrun GameCube and Wiigames on the Steam Deck with ease.
Updated June 08, 2025 by Michael Llewellyn:The Steam Deck is the ideal way to play the incredible library of games on the GameCube and the Wii. However, some titles can run into performance issues without the correct settings. This guide is updated to include the steps to include Power Tools via Decky Loader as recommended by the EmuDeck developers and the steps to fix Decky Loader in the event of a Steam Deck update breaking it.
Before Installing EmuDeck On The Steam Deck
Players will need the following equipment to install Dolphin on the Steam Deck:
How To Enable Developer Mode On The Steam Deck
Before going ahead and downloading EmuDeck, you must enable the Steam Deck’s Developer Mode settings and make a small adjustment. This will ensure that the Steam Deck continues to run third-party plugins and programs like EmuDeck. Use the following steps to enable Developer Mode:
The Steam Deck receives regular updates to maintain stability and introduce new features. The stable version updates less frequently but, using the beta mode on the Steam Deck will entail more frequent minor and major updates. Consequently, the Developer Mode or CEF Debugging may not be enabled by default. If you encounter any issues after an update, remember to review the Developer setting menu.
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. Gamers can use the following steps to install EmuDeck:
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:
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:
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
How To Fix Missing Artwork On The Steam Deck
The Steam Rom Manager should allocatethe correct cover artworkfor most emulated GameCube and Wii games. Unfortunately, some more obscure, modded, or translated titles may be missing covers. The following steps can be used to fix missing artwork:
Uploading Missing Artwork
If the emulated game doesn’t have covers, Steam Deck users also have the option to upload their own:
After EmuDeck has finished saving the artwork and games to the Steam Library, use the following steps to play the 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’sGyro controls instead of motion controls. Players can use the following steps to configure the Steam Deck’s controls for Wii games:
Reset Dolphin To The Default Settings
The Steam Deck’s updates can negatively affect the Dolphin’s control configuration. This can result in the Steam Deck’s controls not being detected when a GameCube and Wii game is running. Resetting the Dolphin config within EmuDeck can update and fix these issues. This can be done via the following steps:
The results are variable, andsome games may have issues, but Steam Deck users can always switch back to the default device if they prefer.
Install Decky Loader For The Steam Deck
The recommended method to improve the performance of GameCube and Wii games on the Steam Deck via the EmuDeck is to install the Power Tools plugin via the Decky Loader app. The plugin allows for more control over SMTs and obtains a more stable performance. Use the following steps to install Decky Loader and Power Tools.
Install Power Tools
With Decky Loader ready installed, the next step is to install the Power Tools plugin. Follow the steps below to complete the installation and the correct settings to use.
Power Tools Settings For Emulated Games
Fixing Decky Loader After A Steam Deck Update
The latest Steam Deck update added a lot of great new features likevideo recording without third-party apps.Unfortunately, it interfered with third-party apps like Decky Loader by removing it from the Quick Access Menu. To fix Decky and retrieve your plugins and settings, follow the below steps. This process will also restore the application in the event of future updates.
