How to Play Nintendo 3DS Games on the Steam Deck with EmuDeck

Learn How to Play 3DS Games on the Steam Deck and Add Them to Your Library

Steam Deck Playing 3DS Games with EmuDeck Made Easy

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The Nintendo 3DS is a handheld system that has captured the hearts of gamers for years. With its unique features and incredible library of games, it’s no wonder that many players still hold it dear to their hearts. But what if you want to play those 3DS games on the Steam Deck, with its larger screen and dockable capabilities? Fear not, fellow gamers! In this guide, we’ll show you how to use EmuDeck to bring the 3DS experience to your Steam Deck.

Installing EmuDeck On The Steam Deck

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EmuDeck is a game-changing tool that simplifies the process of emulating games on the Steam Deck. It takes care of all the complicated settings and updates, allowing you to focus on enjoying your favorite 3DS games. Before installing EmuDeck, make sure you have the following tools:

  • A high-speed A2 micro SD card. Check out this article for recommendations.
  • 3DS ROMs for the games you want to play. These files typically end with .3ds.
  • A keyboard and mouse, which will come in handy during the installation process. If you’re looking for a great keyboard and mouse combo, take a look at this review.

Installing EmuDeck

To install EmuDeck on your Steam Deck and run Citra for 3DS games, follow these steps:

  1. Make sure your Steam Deck has sufficient battery life or plug it into the mains.
  2. Insert the micro SD card into the device.
  3. Press the Steam button below the left trackpad.
  4. Select Power from the menu.
  5. Switch to Desktop Mode.
  6. Connect your keyboard and mouse.
  7. Open a browser and download EmuDeck from [EmuDeck Download Link].
  8. On the download page, select the SteamOS version and download it.
  9. Run the installer and choose the Custom installation option.
  10. Select the SD card as the installation location.
  11. On the device selection screen, choose Steam Deck.
  12. EmuDeck will present you with a list of available emulators. Select Citra if you only need 3DS emulation.
  13. Make sure Steam Rom Manager is checked. This will add the emulated 3DS games and their artwork to the SteamOS Library in Gaming Mode.
  14. Proceed through the installer screens until you reach the “Configure CRT Shader for Classic 3D Games” section.
  15. Enable 3D to enhance the visuals of classic games. Skip the remaining screens and finalize the installation.

Transferring 3DS Files Into EmuDeck

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Now that you have EmuDeck installed, it’s time to transfer your 3DS files into the correct folder. Follow these steps:

  1. Click on the Dolphin File Manager.
  2. Click on the SD card labeled as Primary.
  3. Select the split option.
  4. In one square, locate the Emulation and ROMS folders.
  5. Click on the folder labeled 3DS.
  6. In the empty square, locate your 3DS files and copy them over.

Adding 3DS Games To The Steam Library

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With EmuDeck and Citra installed, and your 3DS games transferred, it’s time to add them to your Steam library. Follow these steps:

  1. Launch the EmuDeck program.
  2. Select Steam Rom Manager and launch it.
  3. Agree to exit Steam when prompted.
  4. Toggle off the Parsers option.
  5. Toggle on Citra.
  6. Click Preview.
  7. In the next screen, click Parse.
  8. Wait a few moments as EmuDeck downloads the artwork and adds the 3DS games.
  9. Select Save to Steam when prompted.
  10. After the pop-up message says “Done adding/removing entries,” close the EmuDeck Windows.
  11. Switch back to Gaming Mode.
  12. Open the Steam library, and the newly added 3DS games will appear in the Collections tab.

Changing The Screen Settings On Steam Deck

When running Nintendo 3DS games on your Steam Deck, you might want to tweak the screen settings for the best experience. Press the L4, L5, R4, and R5 buttons on the back of the Steam Deck to adjust the dual screen positions and views.

That’s it! You now have everything you need to add and play your favorite 3DS games on the Steam Deck using the EmuDeck app and Citra emulator. Your games will launch from the Steam library, just like the official games, and you can even add them to your favorites tab for easy access.

Fixing Slowdown On 3DS Games

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Some 3DS games may experience slowdown or freezing issues on the Steam Deck. However, fear not! With a few simple steps, you can optimize the performance of your Nintendo 3DS games. To do this:

  1. Press the Steam button to access the Library option.
  2. Select the Collections tab.
  3. Choose the Nintendo 3DS square and start playing a 3DS game.
  4. Once the game is running, press the QAM button (the three-dotted button underneath the right trackpad).
  5. Select the battery icon from the side menu.
  6. Enable “Use per-game profile.”
  7. Increase the Frame rate to 60 FPS.

With these settings adjusted, your games should perform much better. You may still encounter occasional drops between transitional screens, but overall, you’ll enjoy improved performance on your Steam Deck.

The Steam Deck is now available from the official Steam Store. Get ready to dive back into the wonderful world of Nintendo 3DS games on this amazing handheld PC!

Quick Links:

FAQ

Can I play other Nintendo handheld games on the Steam Deck?

Absolutely! EmuDeck supports various emulators, including ones for Game Boy Advance (GBA), Game Boy Color (GBC), and more. You can explore a wide range of Nintendo handheld games right on your Steam Deck. Enjoy the nostalgia!

Where can I find 3DS ROMs to play on my Steam Deck?

Downloading ROMs for games you don’t own is considered illegal, so we cannot provide specific sources. However, you can search online for “3DS ROMs,” and you should find websites that offer ROMs for you to legally acquire by backing up your own game cartridges. Remember to always follow the laws and respect the rights of game developers.

Can I use other emulators alongside Citra on the Steam Deck?

Yes, EmuDeck supports multiple emulators, giving you the flexibility to play games from different consoles. Whether you want to relive the glory days of Super Nintendo (SNES) or try out PlayStation Portable (PSP) games, EmuDeck has you covered.


That’s all for now, fellow gamers! We hope this guide helps you transform your Steam Deck into a Nintendo 3DS powerhouse. Don’t forget to share your gaming adventures on social media and spread the 3DS love to other Steam Deck users. Happy gaming!

References:

  • [A2 Micro SD Card Link]
  • [Keyboard and Mouse Link]
  • [Image Source]
  • [EmuDeck Download Link]