Steam Deck: How to Run 3DS Games with EmuDeck (2024)

The Nintendo 3DS is home to some of the most unique and entertaining games on a handheld system. Even though it's been succeeded by the Switch, which caters to handheld and home console fans, the 3DS has managed to stand the test of time with its excellent visuals and vast library of games.

However, for those looking to play 3DS titles on the Steam Deck with its larger screen and docking capabilities, this guide will help players achieve this. There are multiple emulators for users to play with. The best is Lime3Ds, and thanks to the EmuDeck installer, players can enjoy their 3DS games on a Steam Deck without worrying about overcomplicated settings.

Updated June 18, 2024, by Michael Llewellyn: The EmuDeck stopped supporting the Citra emulator and was removed from future installs. While it's still there for EmuDeck users that had it before its removal, a new workaround with a new clone emulator called Lime still works, and gamers can refer to this guide to integrate it into the Steam Library. However, the EmuDeck and the Steam Rom Manager have received several updates. As such, this guide has been updated to include the new steps that players must follow to add games to the Steam Deck's Gaming mode.

How To Install EmuDeck On The Steam Deck

EmuDeck is the best tool for emulating games on the Steam Deck, as it does most of the hard work for players, from organizing folders to performing the necessary updates to keep emulators like Citra working at optimal performance. Before installing EmuDeck, users should have the following tools:

• A high-speed A2 micro SD card to install the EmuDeck and games.
• Users will need 3DS ROMs for the games. The files end with .3ds.
• A keyboard and mouse make installing and transferring files easier in Desktop Mode.

Install EmuDeck

To install EmuDeck for the Steam Deck and run Citra for 3DS games, use the following steps:

• Ensure the Steam deck has sufficient battery life, or plug it into the mains.
• Slot in the micro SD card.
• Press the Steam button below the left trackpad.
• Highlight and select Power.
• Switch to Desktop Mode.
• Connect the keyboard and mouse.
• Open a browser and download EmuDeck.

• Select the SteamOS version on the page and download it.
• Run the installer and select Custom.
• Use the SD card for the installation location.
• On the next screen, select Steam Deck as the device.
• EmuDeck will display the list of emulators available. It's better to install all of them and remove the excess later.

• Also, ensure that Steam Rom Manager is checked. This adds the emulated 3DS games and their artwork to the SteamOS Library in Gaming Mode.
• Skip the following few screens until Configure CRT Shader for Classic 3D Games.
• Switch on 3D to improve the 3D visuals of classic games.
• Skip the following screens and Finalize to install the Emulators.

Install Gyro Features

• With the Steam Deck in Desktop Mode, locate EmuDeck under All Applications and open it.
• On the Left bar, scroll down to Third Party Tools.
• Then click on Install SteamDeckGyroDSU.

How To Transfer 3DS Files Into EmuDeck

Steam Deck users must transfer their 3DS files into the correct folder on EmuDeck. The following steps can be used to copy files into the EmuDeck folders:

• Click on the Dolphin File Manager.
• Click on the SD card labeled as Primary.
• Click the split option.
• In one square, select Emulation and ROMS.
• Click on the file labeled 3DS.
• In the empty square, locate the 3DS files and copy them over.

How To Install Lime3DS On The Steam Deck

With EmuDeck, Gyro controls installed, and games added to the 3DS folder, Steam Deck users must open their preferred browser and download the Lime 3DS emulator using this link.

• Under Assets, click on the file that ends with linux-appimage.tar.gz.

• After the download has been completed, unzip the file.
• Right-click and copy the file named lime-qt.AppImage.
• Paste it into a memorable folder.
• Double-click on the AppImage and select Execute.
• Double-click inside the Lime3DS program.
• Click the search bar near Look in:
• Click run.
• Then click media.
• Click the file deck and the next folder that looks like random letters.
• Then, click Emulation.
• Finally, open roms and then 3ds.
• Then click Choose, and the file name will be added to the Lime3DS directory.

Configure Controls

Steam Deck users need to configure their control system by using the following steps:

• Click the Emulation dropdown.
• Then select Configure.
• Select Controls.
• Hold the Steam Deck’s start button until it beeps to switch it into gamepad mode.
• Then, click on Automap and press OK.
• Then, press any button on the Steam Deck to detect and map the Steam Deck’s controller config automatically.
• Press OK.

• Click on the Motion/Touch tab on the bottom left of the screen.
• On the Motion-Provider dropdown menu, select CemuhookUDP.
• Then Select Test and wait for the message that says "Successfully received data from the server" and press OK.

How To Add Lime3DS To The EmuDeck

Steam Deck users can run their 3DS games in the Steam Deck’s Desktop mode, but adding them to the Steam Library via EmuDeck is better. Use the following steps to add them to the library:

• Open the EmuDeck application.
• Click on Steam Rom Manager on the left panel.
• Toggle the Parsers off.
• Click on Settings.
• Change the Themes to Classic.
• Click on Create Parser.
• Under Community Presets, select Nintendo 3DS – Citra.
• Highlight Configuration title *Required.
• Change Citra to Lime3DS.
• Click under the Steam category and change (3DS) to Lime3DS.
• Click Browse on Path to ROMs.
• Click on the SD card underneath Videos.
• Open Emulation.
• Then click ROMs.
• Open the 3DS folder and click Select Folder.
• Scroll down and click Browse under Executable.
• Locate the lime-qt-AppImage and click Select File.
• Click Save.
• The Lime3DS emulator will be added to the bottom of the Parsers section.
• Don't close EmuDeck.

How To Add 3DS Games To The Steam Library

With EmuDeck and Lime installed and the 3DS games transferred, Steam Deck users can add their games to the library. To add 3DS games to the library, the following steps can be used:

• With the EmuDeck application running in classic, click Settings, Select Theme, and change it back to EmuDeck.
• Then open the Steam Rom Manager.
• Click Yes and agree close the Steam app running in the background.
• Toggle Parsers off.
• Highlight the Nintendo 3DS emulator.

• Click Add Games and then Parse.
• Wait for the 3DS games and covers to load and click Save to Steam.
• If the images are set correctly, return to Gaming Mode.
• Press the Steam button underneath the left trackpad.
• Click Library.
• Select Collections and Nintendo 3DS to launch the 3DS games with Lime Emulator.

How To Fix Missing Images On EmuDeck

There may be occasions where the Steam Rom Manager might have trouble locating the cover art for specific titles. This can happen with modded, imported, and translated games. Thankfully, these issues can be corrected within the Steam Rom Manager by using the following steps:

• If cover art for a 3DS game is missing, click on "Fix" in the game's image frame.

• Type the game's title in the Fix Artwork and Title search bar.
• Select one of the game covers on the sidebar and scroll until you find a suitable cover.
• Click the cover so it is highlighted in white.
• Then click Save and close in the top right of the Steam Rom Manager.

Uploading Cover Art For EmuDeck

The Steam Rom Manager has a lot of cover art to choose from. However, the artwork of some more obscure titles may not be available. The following steps can be used to upload your own:

• In Desktop Mode, open a browser and type the game's title, followed by "cover."
• Click image search and save your desired cover to the Pictures folder on the Steam Deck.
• Open the EmuDeck program.
• Run the Steam Rom Manager.

• Click on Upload - next to Fix - on the cover frame.
• Then click Save and close.
• With the correct artwork in place, select Save to Steam, close the Steam Rom Manager, and return to Gaming Mode.

How To Change The 3DS Screen Settings On Steam Deck

Steam Deck users may want to adjust the screen setting on the Steam Deck when running Nintendo 3DS games. To change the dual screen positions and views, press the L4, L5, R4, and R5 buttons on the back of the Steam Deck.

How To Save 3DS Game Anywhere On Steam Deck

• Press L4 to bring up the OpenGl frame.
• Select Emulation from the dropdown menu at the top of the screen.
• Select Save State.

How To Fix Slowdown On 3DS Games

Some 3DS games can have issues with slowing down and freezing. Luckily, there is a fix that players can use to get the games running as adequately as possible. The following steps can be used to get better performance from Nintendo 3DS games on the Steam Deck:

• Press the Steam button to access the Library option.
• Select the Collections tab.
• Select the Nintendo 3DS square and play a 3DS game.
• With the game launches, press the QAM button (the three-dotted button underneath the right trackpad).
• Select the battery icon from the side menu.
• Switch on Use per-game profile.
• Then, increase the Frame rate to 60 FPS.
• Switch Half Rate Shading on.

Games will perform better with these settings. There may be an occasional drop between transitional screens, but Steam Deck users will get improved performance overall.

Valve Steam Deck

Dimensions

16 x 5 x 3 inches

Brand

Valve

Weight

3.54 pounds

Battery

2 Lithium Ion batteries required