Steam Deck: How To Run Sega Master System Games

Quick Links

• Before Installing EmuDeck

  • Activate Developer Mode

• Installing EmuDeck In Desktop Mode

• Adding Master System Games To The Steam Library

• Fix Or Upload Missing Artwork

  • Upload Missing Artwork

• Playing Master System Games On The Steam Deck

  • Improve Performance

• Install Decky Loader For The Steam Deck

• Install Power Tools

  • Power Tools Settings For Emulated Games

• Fixing Decky Loader After A Steam Deck Update

The Sega Master System, an iconic 8-bit console and a formidable competitor to the NES, offered gamers an array of fantastic titles. From exceptional ports like Golden Axe, Double Dragon, and Streets of Rage to unique versions of popular games such as Mortal Kombat and Asterix & Obelix, the Master System stretched its capabilities to rival the 16-bit Megadrive/Genesis titles of its era.

For retro gaming enthusiasts, playing Sega Master System games on modern hardware can be challenging. However, the Steam Deck, combined with the powerful EmuDeck software, makes this experience seamless and enjoyable. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to install emulators for Sega Master System games on the Steam Deck.

Updated January 15, 2024, by Michael Llewellyn: The Steam Deck's robust performance makes playing Sega Master System games a breeze, but ensuring optimal performance for 8-bit classics requires specific tools. Decky Loader and the Power Tools plugin, recommended by EmuDeck developers, enhance the retro gaming experience. This guide has been updated to include detailed installation steps and troubleshooting tips post-Steam Deck updates.

Before Installing EmuDeck

Before you embark on installing EmuDeck on your Steam Deck for Sega Master System games, ensure you have the necessary tools and settings for a smooth setup:

• Charge your Steam Deck fully or keep it plugged into a power source.
• Use a high-speed micro SD card, formatted on the Steam Deck, for storing games and emulators.
• Alternatively, an external HDD can be used, though this reduces the Steam Deck's portability.
• A keyboard and mouse can streamline the installation process, mimicking a home computer setup. If unavailable, access the built-in keyboard by pressing the Steam and X buttons simultaneously and use the trackpads as a mouse.

Activate Developer Mode

To ensure your emulators run smoothly on the Steam Deck, you need to activate Developer Mode:

• Open the left access panel by pressing the Steam button.
• Navigate to the System menu, then to System Settings.
• Enable Developer Mode.

- Find the Developer menu at the bottom of the access panel.

• Within the Developer menu, under Miscellaneous, turn on CEF Remote Debugging.
• Press the Steam button, then select Power and restart the Steam Deck.

Note that CEF Remote Debugging may be disabled after updates, which can affect plugins and emulators. Always check the Developer Menu post-update to ensure it remains active.

Installing EmuDeck In Desktop Mode

- Access the side menu by pressing the Steam button below the left trackpad, then select Power and switch to Desktop Mode.

• Use a browser like Chrome or Firefox to download EmuDeck.
• Choose your SteamOS version and download EmuDeck. Once downloaded, double-click the installer and select Recommended Install to start the process.
• Opt for Custom Install.
• After installation, open the menu and select the SD card labeled Primary to rename it, making it easier to locate in the Dolphin file manager under Removable Devices.
• You can install all emulators or focus solely on the Sega Master System by selecting Retroarch.

RetroArch supports multiple emulators for classic gaming systems within one application, accessible through the 'Emulators' tab in the Steam library.

• Ensure Steam Rom Manager is selected alongside Retroarch to display games in the main Steam library.
• Enable the 'Configure CRT Shader for Classic 3D Games' feature for that nostalgic TV look.
• Finalize the installation by clicking Finish.

Transferring Master System Roms

Once Retroarch and EmuDeck are installed, you can transfer your Sega Master System ROMs:

• Launch the Dolphin File Manager.

- In the left panel, navigate to Removable Devices and open the SD card labeled Primary.

• Locate the Emulation folder, then ROMS.
• Find the 'mastersystem' folder and transfer or copy your Sega Master System files. These ROM files typically have the '.sms' extension, such as 'Pro Wrestling.sms.' Ignore the 'media' file.

Adding Master System Games To The Steam Library

While you can run Sega Master System games from Retroarch in Desktop Mode, adding them to your Steam Library enhances the gaming experience in Gaming Mode:

• Open EmuDeck in Desktop Mode.
• Access the Steam Rom Manager.
• Click Next on the Welcome to SRM! page.
• Disable Parsers.
• Select Sega Master System on the Parsers screen.
• Choose Add Games, then Parse.
• Confirm the games and cover arts are displayed and click Save to Steam.

Fix Or Upload Missing Artwork

Given the age of the Sega Master System, you might encounter missing or incorrect artwork. Here's how to fix or replace it:

• Click Fix on the cover frame.
• The Steam ROM Manager typically auto-fills cover art. If missing, enter the game's title in the Search for game field.
• Browse the available covers, select the best match, and click Save and close.

Upload Missing Artwork

If the Steam Rom Manager can't find the correct artwork, you can upload it manually:

• Use a browser to find the correct artwork and save it to the Steam Deck's Pictures folder.
• Click Upload on the cover frame.
• Select the new artwork from the Pictures folder, then save and close.
• If the image doesn't display, use the left and right arrows to locate it.
• Click Save to Steam.
• Once the batch files are processed, switch back to the Steam Deck's Gaming Mode.

Playing Master System Games On The Steam Deck

Once the Steam Rom Manager has uploaded the covers and game artwork to the Steam library, you can enjoy your emulated games just like official ones:

• In Gaming Mode, press the Steam button beneath the left trackpad.
• Select Library from the side menu.
• Press the R1 button to navigate to the Collections tabs.
• Click on the Sega Master System window.
• Choose your Sega game and start playing.

Improve Performance

To enhance the performance of classic games on the Steam Deck:

• Launch your Sega Master System game and press the QAM button under the right trackpad.
• Open the Performance menu.
• Enable 'Use game profile'.
• Set the Frame Limit to 60 FPS.
• Activate Half Rate Shading.

Install Decky Loader For The Steam Deck

EmuDeck developers suggest installing Decky Loader and the Power Tools plugin for optimal performance with emulated games. Here's how to set them up:

• Use a keyboard and mouse for easier navigation, or use the trackpads and on-screen keyboard by pressing Steam and X.
• In Gaming Mode, press the Steam button, then Power, and switch to Desktop Mode.
• Open a web browser (available from the Discovery Store).
• Navigate to the GitHub Decky Loader page and click the Download icon.
• After downloading, double-click the launcher and select Recommended Install.
• Restart the Steam Deck in Gaming Mode after installation.

Install Power Tools

With Decky Loader installed, add the Power Tools plugin:

• In Gaming Mode, press the QAM button under the right trackpad.
• In the QAM, select the new plugin icon at the bottom.
• Choose the store icon at the top of the Decky Loader menu.
• Locate and install the Power Tools plugin in the Decky Store.

Power Tools Settings For Emulated Games

To configure Power Tools for emulated games:

• Launch a Master System game from your Collections menu via the Steam button and Library.
• Press the QAM button, then select Decky Loader and the Power Tools menu.
• Disable SMTs.
• Set the number of Threads to 4.
• Open the Performance menu from the QAM button and select the battery icon.
• Enable Advanced View.
• Turn on Manual GPU Clock Control.
• Set GPU Clock Frequency to 1200.
• Save these settings per game by selecting the Per Game Profile option.

Fixing Decky Loader After A Steam Deck Update

Major Steam Deck updates can alter menu settings, potentially removing third-party apps like Decky Loader from your Quick Access menu. To restore functionality:

• In Gaming Mode, press the Steam button, select Power, and switch to Desktop Mode.
• Open a browser upon restarting in Desktop Mode.
• Visit the Decky Loader GitHub page and click the Download icon.
• This time, select Execute during installation.
• Enter your pseudo password when prompted. If you haven't set one up, follow the instructions to create a memorable password and keep it safe.
• After installation, turn off and restart the Steam Deck in Gaming Mode.
• The QAM button should now display the Decky Loader app along with your settings and plugins.

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