Yes. EmuDeck supports local multiplayer on Steam Deck through several emulators, but there is no universal multiplayer switch: you configure player ports, input devices, or game profiles in the emulator you’re using. Dolphin and RMG generally need extra ports enabled, Ryujinx needs player input devices configured, Cemu uses per-game profiles, and mGBA multiplayer on Steam Deck requires Desktop Mode.
Which setup applies to your emulator?
| Emulator | Mode in EmuDeck’s documented workflow | Main multiplayer setup |
|---|---|---|
| Dolphin | Game Mode | Enable a GameCube controller or emulated Wii Remote port for each player. |
| RMG (Nintendo 64) | Game Mode | Enable additional controller ports. |
| Ryujinx | Game Mode | Configure each additional player’s input device and controller profile. |
| Cemu | Game Mode | Enable extra controllers in the individual game’s profile. |
| mGBA | Desktop Mode only | Open a separate multiplayer window for each player and assign a controller to each window. |
These workflows are described in EmuDeck’s Dolphin, RMG, Ryujinx, Cemu, and mGBA guides. The exact controls and settings vary by emulator.
How to set up multiplayer in Dolphin
EmuDeck’s Dolphin guide says its multiplayer controls are configured by default; the key step is enabling enough ports for the players in your game. The built-in Steam Deck controls count as a player if you use them.
- Connect your controllers in Game Mode, then open Dolphin and go to Controller settings.
- For each GameCube player, enable Standard Controller on that port. For Wii, enable Emulated Wii Remote for each player.
- Enable one port per player. The Deck profile is Port 1 by default; for the Deck plus two external controllers, three ports are needed, so enable two additional ports.
- If a connected controller is assigned to the wrong player, reorder controllers in Game Mode using the steps below.
You only need Dolphin’s custom-control instructions if you want a different layout from EmuDeck’s defaults. See EmuDeck’s Dolphin multiplayer guide.
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How to configure RMG for Nintendo 64 multiplayer
EmuDeck says RMG multiplayer is configured out of the box, with additional ports to enable for more players. Its guide maps successive Steam virtual gamepads and profiles as follows:
| Player | Input device | Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Player 2 | Steam Virtual Gamepad 1 | steamdeck2 |
| Player 3 | Steam Virtual Gamepad 2 | steamdeck3 |
| Player 4 | Steam Virtual Gamepad 3 | steamdeck4 |
After enabling the ports, check Game Mode controller order if a pad controls the wrong player. The names and profile mapping above are from EmuDeck’s RMG guide.
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How to configure Ryujinx multiplayer
In Game Mode, open Ryujinx settings and configure an input device for each additional player slot. EmuDeck’s guide assigns Steam Virtual Gamepad 1 to Player 2 and successive virtual gamepads to later players. For each player, select a controller type and load the corresponding profile, then save. If the players still do not match the physical controllers, reorder the controllers in Game Mode. Follow EmuDeck’s Ryujinx guide for its listed devices and profiles.
How to enable controllers in Cemu
Cemu’s setup is per game. In Game Mode, right-click the game, choose Edit Game Profile, open Controller, then select the relevant Deck profile for Controllers 2 through 4. EmuDeck recommends this per-game approach because enabling extra controllers can disable single-player controls in some games. See the Cemu guide.
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How to set up mGBA multiplayer
EmuDeck’s guide says mGBA local multiplayer on Steam Deck can only be done in Desktop Mode. It uses separate emulator windows, each assigned to a different controller.
- In Desktop Mode, open mGBA and choose File → New multiplayer window for each additional player.
- For each window, open Tools → Settings → Controllers and assign a different controller.
The guide maps the Deck/Player 1 to Microsoft X-Box 360 pad 0 and Players 2–4 to pads 1–3. Consult EmuDeck’s mGBA guide if the available controller names differ on your setup.
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Why is my second controller controlling Player 1?
Emulator ports or player slots and Steam’s controller order are separate parts of setup. First confirm that the emulator has enough player ports or input slots enabled. If it does, but a controller is assigned to the wrong player, EmuDeck’s documented fix is to rearrange controller order in Game Mode: open Quick Access, go to Quick Settings, then select Rearrange controller order. See EmuDeck’s external-controller instructions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When should I change Steam Input?
Steam Input is EmuDeck’s foundation for standardized Steam Deck controls, but it can conflict with controller-native features such as gyro. EmuDeck documents disabling Steam Input for an individual game as a possible workaround for access to a controller’s native features; a restart may be needed. Treat this as a targeted compatibility step, not a general multiplayer fix.
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EmuDeck specifically notes double input for the 8BitDo Ultimate 2.4G Wireless Controller and suggests trying Steam Input disabled for the affected game. That note applies to this named model; it is not evidence that other 8BitDo controllers or external pads share the issue. Check the current compatibility guidance for your exact controller.
If an emulator lacks an EmuDeck Steam Input profile, EmuDeck’s FAQ recommends choosing Gamepad with Joystick Trackpad or some controls may not work. The FAQ lists profiles for Cemu, Citra, DuckStation, melonDS, mGBA, PPSSPP, and RMG: EmuDeck FAQ.
What to check when multiplayer does not work
- Not enough players appear: Check the emulator’s additional ports or player slots before changing Steam Input.
- A controller controls the wrong player: Use Game Mode’s Rearrange controller order setting.
- Gyro or another native pad feature is missing: Consider the per-game Steam Input workaround; restart if necessary.
- Inputs register twice: Check whether EmuDeck lists a compatibility note for your exact controller model.
- Controls are missing with an emulator that lacks a profile: Try Gamepad with Joystick Trackpad, as EmuDeck’s FAQ advises.
EmuDeck’s setup instructions are version-sensitive; consult the relevant guide if a setting has moved after an emulator or EmuDeck update. The documented steps support the emulators above, but they do not establish that every game supports local multiplayer.
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