Playing PS1 Games On Steam Deck: The Verified Games List

Omar Yusuf

4 min read

Post on May 16, 2025

4.0

Share

Understanding Steam Deck Compatibility

Before jumping into emulation, it's crucial to understand Steam Deck's compatibility ratings. This helps manage expectations and ensures a smoother experience playing PS1 games on your Steam Deck. Steam categorizes games as Verified, Playable, or Unsupported.

• Verified: These games work perfectly on the Steam Deck, offering optimal performance and native controller support. This is the ideal category for a hassle-free PS1 gaming experience. Aim for emulators and configurations that deliver a Verified-like experience.
• Playable: These games might run, but may require some tweaking of settings, configuration changes, or workarounds to function correctly. You might need to adjust controller mappings or in-game settings to achieve satisfactory performance.
• Unsupported: These games likely won't work on the Steam Deck without significant effort, and even then success isn't guaranteed. It's best to avoid unsupported titles unless you're a very experienced emulator user.

Choosing a Verified PS1 emulator (or one that achieves a near-verified experience) is critical for a seamless experience. This means prioritizing emulators known for stability and compatibility with the Steam Deck's hardware and software.

The Best Emulators for PS1 Games on Steam Deck

Several emulators can run PS1 games on the Steam Deck, but some are better suited than others. Let's compare two popular choices: ePSXe and RetroArch.

ePSXe:

• Strengths: Excellent compatibility with a vast library of PS1 games, generally good performance, relatively straightforward setup (compared to RetroArch).
• Weaknesses: Can be slightly more demanding on resources than RetroArch, setup might still require some technical knowledge.

RetroArch:

• Strengths: Supports multiple gaming systems (not just PS1), highly customizable, powerful features for advanced users.
• Weaknesses: Steeper learning curve, more complex configuration, requires more technical expertise.

Setting Up Your Chosen Emulator on Steam Deck

Let's walk through setting up ePSXe on your Steam Deck using Flatpak, a common and relatively simple method. Remember always to legally acquire your PS1 game ROMs. This guide doesn't endorse illegal ROM acquisition.

Step-by-Step ePSXe Setup:

1. Open Discover: Navigate to the Discover app on your Steam Deck.
2. Search for ePSXe: Search for "ePSXe" in the Discover store.
3. Install ePSXe: Click "Install" to download and install the Flatpak version of ePSXe.
4. Download BIOS files: You'll need a PS1 BIOS file to run games. Ensure you legally obtain this file; acquiring BIOS files illegally is against the law. Many online guides explain where to find legitimate BIOS files, if you own a PS1 console.
5. Place BIOS files: Place the BIOS file in the correct directory, as specified in the ePSXe documentation.
6. Add ROMs: Place your legally acquired PS1 ROMs in a designated folder.
7. Configure Controls: ePSXe allows mapping your Steam Deck's controls to the PS1 controller buttons. Customize this for optimal gameplay.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with a verified setup, you might encounter some problems. Here are common issues and their solutions:

• Slowdowns: Adjust emulation settings (reducing resolution, lowering CPU/GPU cycles), check the integrity of your ROM file.
• Audio problems: Update your Steam Deck's audio drivers, check ePSXe's audio settings, ensure the correct audio output is selected.
• Controller issues: Recalibrate your controllers in the Steam Deck's settings, try different controller configurations within ePSXe.

Expanding Your PS1 Library on Steam Deck

Building your PS1 game library on your Steam Deck involves legally acquiring the games. While ROMs are widely available, downloading them without owning the original game is illegal. Consider these legal options:

• Check for digital copies on the PlayStation Store (if available).
• Purchase physical copies of PS1 games from online retailers or retro game stores. This is the most ethical and legal option.

Conclusion

Playing PS1 games on your Steam Deck is a fantastic way to relive gaming classics on the go. By following this guide and choosing a verified emulator, or aiming for a near-verified experience, you can enjoy a smooth and enjoyable retro gaming experience. Remember to always obtain your PS1 games legally. Ready to start playing your favorite PS1 games on your Steam Deck? Use this guide to find the best emulator and get started with your retro gaming journey today! Explore the possibilities and unlock hours of nostalgic fun!