When I finally got hold of my Steam Deck in 2022, the first thing I installed wasn’t a AAA title.
It was Zool: Ninja of the Nth Dimension, the classic Amiga platformer (now available on Steam). While my dream was to play Half-Life 2 as and when the mood took me, it became instantly clear that the Steam Deck was also an ideal retro gaming system.
Clearly I wasn’t alone in that realization. Over the past couple off years, various retro gaming platforms have been released for Steam Deck. These are in addition to the increasing number of retro re-releases on Steam, the overwhelming majority of which will run on the Steam Deck.
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RetroDECK’s new website drops
Designed to help you enjoy retro gaming on the Steam Deck with as little stress as possible, RetroDECK is available via the Discover Store. It offers preconfigured emulators, which should make loading ROMs as headache free as possible. You can tweak the emulators if you want to, however.
RetroDECK is powered by Emulation Station-DE, and has just launched a swish new website that you should check out.
RetroDECK is one of three main, easy to install retro gaming options for Steam Deck. The others are EmuDeck and a dedicated Steam Deck image from Batocera.
Incidentally, I’m in the process of writing a new article for Linux Format magazine on the Steam Deck. The last time I contributed, during the summer, resulted in an in-depth look at installing and using Batocera (Linux Format #316).
EmuDeck machine fails to secure funding
Speaking of EmuDeck, there is some bad news. As previously reported, the EmuDeck Machine was launched on Indiegogo, intended as a sort of retro Steam machine. Unfortunately, 100 full-paying backers were needed, but only 40 were found in time.
3D Printed prototype of the EmuDeck Machine, too bad nobody bought it! I’m canceling the project and refunding all money to the ones that did back the project since its clear it’s not going to make the IGG goal
— EmuDeck (@EmuDeck)
3:45 PM • Oct 3, 2024
Consequently, the project has been cancelled.
However, it is not all bad news. The next version of EmuDeck looks like it might be offering an intriguing new feature…
What if I told you that you could have the simplicity of EmulationStation and the integration of SteamRomManager at the same time?
— EmuDeck (@EmuDeck)
4:05 PM • Nov 4, 2024
New Steam controller looks familiar
Japanese controller manufacturer Hori has listed an official Steam controller on Amazon US. This can currently be preordered (no UK link yet) ahead of a December 16th release.
I have spotted a listing for the Hori controller on eBay. Anyhow, I definitely prefer the look of the original…
It’s simpler, and has hidden paddle/strafe buttons underneath as part of the battery cover. I think it’s a far simpler design, while also being superior. However, it’s probably a little too “out there” for the 2020s, having been released way back in 2015!
The Steam Deck on a CRT
I’ll finish with this snippet, which seems like the best way to close: a classic cathode ray tube television/monitor hooked up to a Steam Deck!
If you fancy trying this out, however, beware. There may be some audio issues. Check the video to learn more.
I love the Steam Deck, and spend about 40% of my time on it playing old games. (Admittedly, it’s mostly Half-Life 2). If you have a Steam Deck, let me know what you’re currently playing.
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Christian Cawley is a writer and editor who covers consumer electronics, IT, and entertainment media. He has written for publications such as Computer Weekly, Linux Format, MakeUseOf.com, and Tech Radar.
He also produces podcasts, has a cigar box guitar, and of course, loves retro gaming.
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