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. Standout titles included impressive ports of Golden Axe, Double Dragon, and Streets of Rage, among others. The system even surprised with titles like Mortal Kombat and Asterix & Obelix, which pushed the hardware closer to the capabilities of 16-bit systems like the Megadrive/Genesis.

While playing Sega Master System games on modern hardware can be challenging, the Steam Deck, combined with the powerful EmuDeck program, makes it surprisingly straightforward. This guide details how to install the necessary emulators on your Steam Deck.

Updated January 15, 2024, by Michael Llewellyn: While the Steam Deck's power handles Sega Master System games easily, replicating the original console's performance can be tricky. 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 troubleshooting steps 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 connected to power).
• A high-speed microSD card (formatted on the Steam Deck) or an external HDD (note: using an HDD reduces portability).
• A keyboard and mouse (optional, but recommended for easier file transfers and installation). If using only the Steam Deck, use the on-screen keyboard (Steam + X buttons).

Activate Developer Mode

Before installing emulators, activate Developer Mode for optimal performance:

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

Note: CEF Remote Debugging can be disabled after updates, affecting plugins and emulators. Always check after an update.

Installing EmuDeck In Desktop Mode

1. Press the Steam button, select Power, and switch to Desktop Mode. 2. Use a browser (Chrome, Firefox, etc.) to download EmuDeck. Select the correct SteamOS version. 3. After downloading, double-click the installer and choose the recommended installation. 4. Select Custom Install. 5. After installation, rename your SD card to "Primary" for easier access in Dolphin file manager. 6. Choose your desired emulators (RetroArch for Sega Master System is recommended). Select Steam ROM Manager with RetroArch for library integration. 7. Optionally, enable "Configure CRT Shader for Classic 3D Games" for a retro look. 8. Select Finish.

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

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 SD card > Emulation > ROMs > mastersystem. 3. Transfer your '.sms' ROM files (ignore the 'media' file).

Adding Master System Games To The Steam Library

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

1. Open EmuDeck in Desktop Mode.
2. Open Steam ROM Manager.
3. Click Next on the welcome screen.
4. Disable Parsers, then select Sega Master System.
5. Select Add Games > Parse.
6. Verify games and artwork, then Save to Steam.

Fix Or Upload Missing Artwork

Missing or incorrect artwork can be fixed or uploaded:

• Fix: Click Fix on the cover frame. Steam ROM Manager usually finds artwork; if not, search for the game title. Select and save the best image.

Upload Missing Artwork

If artwork isn't found:

1. Download the correct artwork and save it to the Steam Deck's Pictures folder.
2. Click Upload on the cover frame.
3. Select the artwork, save, and close. Use the left/right arrows to locate the image if needed.
4. Click Save to Steam.

Playing Master System Games On The Steam Deck

After adding games to the Steam library:

1. In Gaming Mode, press the Steam button.
2. Select Library.
3. Press R1 to show Collections.
4. Select the Sega Master System collection, then choose your game.

Improve Performance

To improve performance for stuttering games:

1. Open a game and press the QAM button.
2. Open 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 (optional). Switch to Desktop Mode if needed.
2. Download Decky Loader from its GitHub page.
3. Double-click the installer and choose Recommended Install.
4. Restart the Steam Deck in Gaming Mode.

Install Power Tools

Install Power Tools through Decky Loader:

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

Power Tools Settings For Emulated Games

1. Launch a Master System game.
2. Press QAM > 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 remove Decky Loader:

1. Switch to Desktop Mode.
2. Download Decky Loader from GitHub and select Execute.
3. Enter your pseudo password (or create one).
4. Restart the Steam Deck in Gaming Mode.