How to Play Xbox Original Games on Steam Deck

The original Xbox was a groundbreaking console, showcasing impressive graphics and performance compared to its contemporaries, the PlayStation 2 and GameCube. Its library included iconic titles like the Halo series and PC-inspired games such as Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind. Despite the lack of backward compatibility for many titles, passionate gamers can now revisit these classics via their Steam Deck with the help of EmuDeck.

Updated December 12, 2024, by Michael Llewellyn: While nostalgic, running Xbox titles can pose challenges for performance. The EmuDeck developers recommend the addition of the Power Tools plugin through Decky Loader to enhance gameplay. This updated guide outlines how to successfully install both EmuDeck and the Power Tools plugin, along with troubleshooting steps to restore functionality after a Steam Deck update.

Before Running Emulators On Steam Deck

Steam Deck the SD card slot to increase storage

Ensure the Steam Deck is either plugged in or fully charged.
A compatible A2 microSD card is required for installing EmuDeck and your games. Alternatively, if connecting to a TV, an external HDD/SSD with a docking system will suffice.
Have legal Xbox ISOs and BIOS files ready.

Activate Developer Mode

Press the Steam button.
Open the System menu and toggle on Developer Mode.

Find and open the new Developer menu, and enable CEF Debugging.
Select Power from the Steam Button menu.
Switch to Desktop Mode.

Download EmuDeck For The Steam Deck

Press the Steam button, select Power, and switch to Desktop Mode.
Connect a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, or set up a wired configuration via a Steam Deck Dock.
Download the EmuDeck program using your browser.
Double-click on the Download icon to launch the installer.
Choose Recommended Settings and opt for a Custom Install.
Select the SD card image labeled Primary for the installation.
Pick individual emulators as needed, including Xemu, Retroarch, and Emulation Station.
Ensure Steam ROM Manager is chosen to import your emulated games with their artwork into the Steam library.
Enable Auto Save on the next screen before completing the installation.

Transfer BIOS And ROMs To Their Correct Folders

EmuDeck Xbox BIOS files to transfer on the Steam Deck

One of the most critical steps is correctly positioning the BIOS files, as the Xemu emulator requires them to function properly.

Place The BIOS Into The Correct Folders

To ensure proper function, gather the necessary BIOS files from your Xbox. The required files and their respective folder locations are detailed in the table below:

BIOS File Name	Paste Folder Location
mpcx_1.0.bin, Complex_4627.bin, and Complex_4626v1.bin	Primary > Emulation > BIOS
xbox_hdd.qcow2	Primary > Emulation > Storage > Xemu

Place The ISO Files Into The Correct Folders

Ensure that your Xbox games, formatted as. iso files, are copied into the listed directory so the Steam ROM Manager can recognize them:

Xbox Games	Paste Folder Location
.iso	Primary > Emulation > ROMs > Xbox

Adding Xbox Games To The Steam Library

EmuDeck Xbox Xemu Parser on the Steam Deck

Now that your BIOS files and game resources are set, it’s time to integrate your favorite titles into the Steam library using Steam ROM Manager.

Restart EmuDeck.
Select Steam ROM Manager from the left menu.
Confirm by clicking Yes to exit the Steam client, then hit Next.
Disable Parseselect Parsers screen.
Select the Xbox Xemu emulator, ensuring it’s highlighted.
Hit Add Games, allowing Steam ROM Manager to fetch and embed your cover art.
After the downloads complete, choose Save to Steam.
Once confirmed that entries have been added or removed, close the Steam ROM Manager.
Exit EmuDeck to return to Gaming Mode.

Fixing And Correcting Xbox Artwork In SRM

Fix Missing Artwork

Occasionally, the Steam ROM Manager may fail to locate the correct cover art for your titles. Follow these steps to remedy this:

Select the Fix icon.
Enter the game’s title in the fix Artwork and Title search bar.
Pick a cover and click on it.
Finish by clicking Save and close.

Uploading Missing Artwork

If the Steam ROM Manager still cannot find the necessary covers, manually upload them as follows:

Switch to Desktop Mode.
Search for the game title in your browser and click on Images.
Save the desired cover to the Pictures folder in Desktop Mode.
Open EmuDeck and launch Steam ROM Manager.
Instead of choosing Fix, select Upload.
Navigate to the Pictures folder, select your newly saved cover image, and complete with Save and Close.

Playing Xbox Games On The Steam Deck

With all the BIOS, ISO files, and cover art organized, switch back to Gaming Mode on your Steam Deck to access your Xbox library.

In Gaming Mode, press the Steam button.
Select Library.
Navigate to the Collections tab and open the new Xbox section.

Keep in mind, compatibility issues may arise with certain Xbox games when using the Xemu emulator. Consult the Xemu compatibility page for the latest updates.

Choose the game and click Play.

Emulation Station

Alternatively, you can launch Xbox originals through the Emulation Station program. Follow these instructions:

Press the Steam button and choose Library.
Go to the Collections tab.
Select the Emulation square and open Emulation Station.
Click on the Xbox icon.
Pick your game to start playing with the emulator.

Install Decky Loader For The Steam Deck

Playing Xbox titles can be more complex than other retro games, but by using the Decky Loader and Power Tools plugin, users can unlock enhanced performance for titles like Knights of the Old Republic and Jade Empire. Here’s how to install them:

Optionally connect a keyboard and mouse for convenience.
If in Gaming Mode, press the Steam button, select Power, and switch to Desktop Mode.
Open a browser in Desktop Mode (download one from the Discovery Store if not available).
Head to the GitHub Decky Loader page.
Click on the large Download icon to start the download.
After downloading, double-click the launcher and choose Recommended Install.
Upon installation, restart your Steam Deck in Gaming Mode.

Install Power Tools

With Decky Loader installed, use the following steps to add Power Tools through Decky Loader:

While in Gaming Mode, press the Quick Access Menu button below the right trackpad.
Choose the plugin icon displayed at the bottom of the menu.
Click the store icon located at the top of the Decky Loader menu.
Search for Power Tools within the Decky Store and install it.

Power Tools Settings For Emulated Games

Press the Steam button, go to Library, and select an Xbox game from your Non-Steam Library.
Open Decky Loader and navigate to the Power Tools menu.
In Power Tools, disable SMTs.
Set the Threads slider to 4.
Access the Performance menu via the Quick Access Menu button by selecting the small battery icon.
Enable Advanced View.
Turn on Manual GPU Clock Control.
Increase GPU Clock Frequency to 1200.
Lastly, opt for Per Game Profile to save these settings for specific titles.

Fixing Decky Loader After A Steam Deck Update

Due to significant Steam Deck updates that may disrupt functionality for applications like Decky Loader, the following steps are recommended for restoring your apps and plugins:

If you’re still in Gaming Mode, press the Steam button, navigate to Power options, and switch to Desktop Mode.
Open a browser in Desktop Mode.
Visit the Decky Loader GitHub page and select the Download icon.
Choose Execute, and avoid selecting Open.
Enter your sudo password when prompted.
If no sudo password has been established, follow the provided instructions to create one that’s memorable.
Finally, power off and reboot your Steam Deck in Gaming Mode.
Hitting the QAM button will restore your Decky Loader app, settings, and plugins to their prior configurations.

These adjustments will lead to better game performance, although occasional hiccups during transitions may occur. By following these guidelines, Xbox gaming on the Steam Deck can be an engaging experience using either the Steam library or Emulation Station.

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