Steam Deck: Running 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, offered gamers unique titles and impressive ports, including gems like Golden Axe, Double Dragon, and Streets of Rage. It even pushed the boundaries with games such as Mortal Kombat and Asterix & Obelix, rivaling the performance of 16-bit consoles like the Megadrive/Genesis.

For retro gaming enthusiasts, playing Sega Master System games on modern systems can be challenging. However, the Steam Deck, combined with EmuDeck, provides a seamless solution. Here's how to set up emulators for Sega Master System games on your Steam Deck.

Updated January 15, 2024, by Michael Llewellyn: While the Steam Deck's power can handle Sega Master System games effortlessly, optimizing performance for 8-bit games can be tricky. This is where Decky Loader and the Power Tools plugin come into play. The EmuDeck developers recommend installing both to enhance your retro gaming experience. This guide has been updated to include installation steps and a fix for restoring functionality post-Steam Deck update.

Before Installing EmuDeck

Before setting up EmuDeck on your Steam Deck for Sega Master System games, ensure you have the necessary tools and settings for a smooth installation:

• Keep your Steam Deck plugged into a power source or ensure it's fully charged.
• Use a high-speed micro SD card inserted into the bottom of the Steam Deck and format it on the device.
• Alternatively, an external HDD can be used, though this will compromise the Steam Deck's portability.
• A keyboard and mouse can simplify file transfers and installation; if unavailable, use the built-in keyboard by pressing the Steam and X buttons together and navigate with the trackpads.

Activate Developer Mode

To ensure smooth game emulation, you must activate Developer Mode on your Steam Deck:

• Press the Steam button to access the left panel.
• Navigate to the System menu and find System Settings.
• Enable Developer Mode.

- The Developer menu is at the bottom of the access panel.

• Open the Developer menu.
• Under Miscellaneous, activate CEF Remote Debugging.
• Press the Steam Button, select Power, and restart the Steam Deck.

Note: CEF Remote Debugging may disable after an update, impacting plugins and emulators. Always verify its status in the Developer Menu post-update.

Installing EmuDeck In Desktop Mode

- Switch to Desktop Mode by pressing the Steam button, selecting Power, and choosing Desktop Mode.

• Use a browser like Chrome or Firefox to download EmuDeck.
• Choose the appropriate SteamOS version and download it. Double-click the installer and select the recommended installation.
• Opt for Custom Install.
• After installation, open the menu and select the SD card labeled Primary to rename it for easy access in the Dolphin file manager.
• Choose to install all emulators or focus solely on the Sega Master System with Retroarch.

RetroArch serves as a versatile emulator for various classic systems, accessible under the 'Emulators' tab in the Steam library.

• Ensure the Steam Rom Manager is selected alongside Retroarch to integrate games into the Steam library.
• Optionally, enable the 'Configure CRT Shader for Classic 3D Games' feature for a nostalgic TV-like display.
• Complete the installation by selecting Finish.

Transferring Master System ROMs

With Retroarch and EmuDeck installed, it's time to add your Sega Master System ROMs:

• Launch the Dolphin File Manager.

- Navigate to Removable Devices and open the SD card labeled Primary.

• Access the Emulation folder, then the ROMS folder.
• Locate the 'mastersystem' folder and transfer your Sega Master System files. Look for files with the '.sms' extension, such as 'Pro Wrestling.sms.' Ignore any 'media' file.

Adding Master System Games To The Steam Library

To play Sega Master System games in Gaming Mode, add them to your Steam Library:

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

Fix Or Upload Missing Artwork

For retro consoles like 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 into the Search for game field.
• Browse and select the best cover art, then save and close.

Upload Missing Artwork

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

• 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 find it.
• Click Save to Steam.
• Once batch files are processed, switch back to Gaming Mode.

Playing Master System Games On The Steam Deck

After uploading covers and artwork, you can play your emulated games as you would official ones:

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

Improve Performance

To address potential stuttering and frame rate issues in classic games:

• Open your Sega Master System game and press the QAM button under the right trackpad.
• Navigate to 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 better control over your Steam Deck's performance with emulated games:

• Connect a keyboard and mouse for easier navigation (or use the trackpads and on-screen keyboard accessed via Steam and X buttons).
• Switch to Desktop Mode from Gaming Mode via the Steam button, Power, and Desktop Mode.
• Open a web browser (available from the Discovery Store).
• Visit the GitHub Decky Loader page and download the software.
• Double-click the launcher and opt for the 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 beneath the right trackpad.
• Select the plugin icon at the bottom of the QAM.
• Click the store icon at the top of the Decky Loader menu.
• Find and install the Power Tools plugin in the Decky Store.

Power Tools Settings For Emulated Games

To optimize settings for Sega Master System games:

• Open a Master System game from the Library's Collections menu.
• Press the QAM button, access Decky Loader, and select Power Tools.
• Disable SMTs.
• Set the number of Threads to 4.
• Open the Performance menu via 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 with the Per Game Profile option.

Fixing Decky Loader After A Steam Deck Update

Steam Deck updates can affect menus and settings, potentially removing third-party apps from the Quick Access menu. Here's how to restore Decky Loader and its plugins:

• Switch to Desktop Mode from Gaming Mode using the Steam button, Power, and Desktop Mode.
• Open a browser.
• Visit the Decky Loader GitHub page and download it.
• This time, select Execute during installation.
• Enter your pseudo password when prompted (set one up if you haven't already).
• Restart the Steam Deck in Gaming Mode.
• Press the QAM button to see Decky Loader and its plugins restored.

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