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, boasted a fantastic library of games, many exclusive or featuring 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 console's capabilities closer to the 16-bit Megadrive/Genesis era.

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

Updated January 15, 2024, by Michael Llewellyn: While the Steam Deck easily handles Sega Master System games, replicating the performance of the original hardware can be tricky. This is where Decky Loader and the Power Tools plugin come in—recommended by EmuDeck developers for optimal retro gaming performance. 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 the Steam Deck's 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 smooth 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 (bottom of the left-hand menu).
4. Under Miscellaneous, enable CEF Remote Debugging.
5. Restart your Steam Deck.

Remember to check that CEF Remote Debugging remains enabled after updates, as it can be disabled and interfere with plugins and emulators.

Installing EmuDeck In Desktop Mode

1. Press the Steam button, select Power, and switch to Desktop Mode. 2. Use a web browser (Chrome or Firefox) to download EmuDeck. Choose the correct SteamOS version. 3. After downloading, double-click the installer and choose the recommended installation. 4. Select Custom Install. 5. After installation, select the SD card (labeled Primary) to rename it for easier access in Dolphin file manager. 6. Choose your desired emulators (RetroArch is recommended for Sega Master System). 7. Select Steam Rom Manager with RetroArch to display games in your Steam library. 8. Enable "Configure CRT Shader for Classic 3D Games" (optional). 9. Select Finish.

Transferring Master System ROMs

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

1. Open Dolphin File Manager. 2. Go to Removable Devices and open the "Primary" SD card.
2. Navigate to Emulation > ROMs > mastersystem.
3. Transfer your Sega Master System ROMs (.sms files). Ignore the media file.

Adding Master System Games To The Steam Library

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

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

Fix Or Upload Missing Artwork

If artwork is missing or incorrect:

1. Click Fix on the cover frame. Steam ROM Manager usually finds artwork automatically. If not, search for the game title.
2. Select the correct artwork and click Save and Close.

Upload Missing Artwork

If Steam ROM Manager can't find artwork:

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 and click Save and Close. If it doesn't appear, use the left/right arrows to find it.
4. Click Save to Steam.

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, then choose your game.

Improve Performance

To address stuttering or frame rate issues:

1. Open a game and press the QAM button.
2. Open the Performance menu.
3. Enable "Use game profile."
4. Increase 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.
2. Use a web browser to go to the Decky Loader GitHub page.
3. Download and double-click the launcher, choosing Recommended Install.
4. Restart your Steam Deck in Gaming Mode.

Install Power Tools

1. In Gaming Mode, press QAM, then select the new plugin icon. 2. Select the store icon in Decky Loader. 3. Install the Power Tools plugin.

Power Tools Settings For Emulated Games

1. Launch a Master System game.
2. Press QAM, then Decky Loader > Power Tools.
3. Turn off SMTs.
4. Set Threads to 4.
5. Press QAM, open the Performance menu (battery icon).
6. Enable Advanced View.
7. Enable Manual GPU Clock Control and set GPU Clock Frequency to 1200.
8. Select Per Game Profile to save settings.

Fixing Decky Loader After A Steam Deck Update

Steam Deck updates can remove third-party apps:

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