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 8-bit console that rivaled the NES, offered a fantastic library of games, many exclusive or with unique versions not found elsewhere. This included impressive ports and variations of popular titles like Golden Axe, Double Dragon, and Streets of Rage. The system even surprised with titles like Mortal Kombat and Asterix & Obelix, which pushed the console's capabilities closer to the 16-bit Megadrive/Genesis games of the time.

Playing Sega Master System games on modern hardware can be tricky, but the Steam Deck, combined with EmuDeck, makes it surprisingly easy. This guide details how to install the necessary emulators for Sega Master System games on your Steam Deck.

Updated January 15, 2024, by Michael Llewellyn: While the Steam Deck's power handles Sega Master System games effortlessly, replicating the original console's performance can be challenging. This is where Decky Loader and the Power Tools plugin come in—recommended by EmuDeck developers for optimal retro gaming. This guide has been updated to include their installation and a fix for restoring functionality after a Steam Deck update.

Before Installing EmuDeck

Before installing EmuDeck on your Steam Deck for Sega Master System games, ensure you have the following:

• A fully charged Steam Deck or one connected to power.
• A high-speed microSD card (formatted on the Steam Deck) or an external HDD (note: using an HDD will reduce portability).
• A keyboard and mouse are recommended for easier file transfer and installation. If unavailable, use the on-screen keyboard (Steam + X) and trackpads.

Activate Developer Mode

Enabling Developer Mode is crucial for smooth emulator operation.

1. Press the Steam button to open the left-hand menu.
2. Go to System > System Settings.
3. Enable Developer Mode.

4. Access the Developer menu (located at the bottom of the left-hand menu). 5. Under Miscellaneous, enable CEF Remote Debugging. 6. Press the Steam button. 7. Select Power > Restart.

Remember to check and re-enable CEF Remote Debugging after any Steam Deck updates, as it can be disabled. This is important for plugin functionality and emulator stability.

Installing EmuDeck In Desktop Mode

1. Press the Steam button, select Power, and switch to Desktop Mode. 2. Use a browser (Chrome or Firefox) to download EmuDeck. 3. Choose the correct SteamOS version and download. After downloading, double-click the installer and follow the recommended installation. 4. Select Custom Install. 5. After installation, open the menu and select the SD card (it will be renamed "Primary" for easier identification in Dolphin file manager). 6. Choose to install all emulators or just RetroArch (for Sega Master System).

RetroArch runs various emulators through a single application, accessible under the 'Emulators' tab in your Steam library.

7. Ensure Steam ROM Manager is selected with RetroArch to display games in your Steam library.
8. Optionally, enable 'Configure CRT Shader for Classic 3D Games' for a retro TV aesthetic.
9. Select Finish.

Transferring Master System ROMs

With EmuDeck and RetroArch installed, transfer your Sega Master System ROMs:

1. Open Dolphin File Manager.

2. Navigate to Removable Devices > Primary (your SD card). 3. Go to Emulation > ROMs > mastersystem. 4. Copy your Sega Master System ROMs (.sms files). Ignore the media file.

Adding Master System Games To The Steam Library

To play your games in Gaming Mode, add them to your Steam library:

1. Open EmuDeck in Desktop Mode.
2. Click Steam ROM Manager.
3. Click Next on the welcome screen.
4. Turn off Parsers.
5. Select Sega Master System.
6. Select Add Games > Parse.
7. Verify game and cover art display, then select Save to Steam.

Fix Or Upload Missing Artwork

Missing or incorrect artwork? Here's how to fix it:

1. Click Fix on the cover frame. Steam ROM Manager usually finds artwork automatically. If not:
2. Search for the game title.
3. Select and save the correct artwork.

Upload Missing Artwork

If Steam ROM Manager can't find artwork:

1. Download the artwork and save it to the Steam Deck's Pictures folder.
2. Click Upload on the cover frame.
3. Select the artwork and save.
4. If it doesn't display, use the left/right arrows to find it.
5. Click Save to Steam.
6. Once the batch process finishes, switch back to Gaming Mode.

Playing Master System Games On The Steam Deck

After adding games to your Steam library:

1. In Gaming Mode, press the Steam button.
2. Select Library.
3. Press R1 to highlight Collections.
4. Select Sega Master System.
5. Choose your game and play!

Improve Performance

To address potential stuttering:

1. Open a game and press the QAM button.
2. Go to the Performance menu.
3. Enable 'Use game profile'.
4. Set Frame Limit to 60 FPS.
5. Enable Half Rate Shading.

Install Decky Loader For The Steam Deck

EmuDeck recommends Decky Loader and Power Tools for enhanced control:

1. Connect a keyboard and mouse (or use trackpads and on-screen keyboard).
2. Switch to Desktop Mode.
3. Use a browser to go to the Decky Loader GitHub page.
4. Download and double-click the installer.
5. Choose Recommended Install.
6. Restart in Gaming Mode.

Install Power Tools

1. Press the QAM button. 2. Select the new plugin icon. 3. Choose the store icon. 4. Install Power Tools.

Power Tools Settings For Emulated Games

1. Launch a Master System game.
2. Press QAM > Decky Loader > Power Tools.
3. Disable SMTs.
4. Set Threads to 4.
5. Press QAM > Performance > Enable Advance View.
6. Enable Manual GPU Clock Control.
7. Set GPU Clock Frequency to 1200.
8. Enable Per Game Profile.

Fixing Decky Loader After A Steam Deck Update

Steam Deck updates can affect third-party apps:

1. Switch to Desktop Mode.
2. Go to the Decky Loader GitHub page and download.
3. Select Execute.
4. Enter your pseudo password (or create one).
5. Restart in Gaming Mode.