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 rival to the NES, boasted a fantastic library of games, many exclusive or featuring unique versions not found elsewhere. Standout titles included impressive ports and versions 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 games of the time.

Retro gaming enthusiasts often face limitations when playing Sega Master System games on modern systems. However, the Steam Deck, combined with the powerful EmuDeck program, makes this a reality. This guide details how to install emulators for Sega Master System games on your Steam Deck.

Updated January 15, 2024, by Michael Llewellyn: While the Steam Deck's power easily handles Sega Master System games, replicating the performance of an 8-bit console can be tricky. This is where Decky Loader and the Power Tools plugin come in. The EmuDeck developers recommend both for optimal retro gaming. This guide has been updated to include installation steps and the fix needed to restore 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 necessary tools and settings for a smooth installation:

• Make sure your Steam Deck is either plugged in or fully charged.
• You'll need a high-speed microSD card to insert into the bottom of the Steam Deck and format it on the device. Alternatively, an external HDD can be used, but this will reduce the Steam Deck's portability.
• Using a keyboard and mouse, like a desktop computer, can simplify file transfers and program installations.
• If you don't have a keyboard and mouse, you can use the on-screen keyboard (Steam + X buttons) and trackpads.

Activate Developer Mode

Before installing emulators and running games, activate Developer Mode for optimal performance and compatibility:

• Press the Steam button to open the left-hand menu.
• Go to the System menu and open System Settings.
• Enable Developer Mode.

- The Developer menu is at the bottom of the left-hand menu.

• Open the Developer menu.
• Under Miscellaneous, enable CEF Remote Debugging.
• Press the Steam button.
• Select Power and restart the Steam Deck.

Note that CEF Remote Debugging can be disabled after updates, potentially affecting plugins and emulators. Always check the Developer menu post-update.

Installing EmuDeck In Desktop Mode

- Press the Steam button, select Power, and switch to Desktop Mode.

• Use a browser (Chrome or Firefox) to download EmuDeck.
• Choose your SteamOS version and download. Double-click the installer, accept the recommended settings, and begin installation.
• Select Custom Install.
• After installation, open the menu and select the SD card labeled Primary. This renames your SD card, making it easier to find in the Dolphin file manager.
• You can install all emulators or just select Retroarch for Sega Master System.

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

• Ensure Steam Rom Manager is also selected with Retroarch to display games in your main Steam library.
• Enable 'Configure CRT Shader for Classic 3D Games' for a retro TV look.
• Select Finish to complete the installation.

Transferring Master System ROMs

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

• Open the Dolphin File Manager.

- Go to Removable Devices and open the Primary SD card.

• Open the Emulation folder, then ROMS.
• Locate the 'mastersystem' folder.
• Transfer your Sega Master System files (.sms extension). Ignore the 'media' file.

Adding Master System Games To The Steam Library

While playable in Desktop Mode, add your games to your Steam Library for Gaming Mode access:

• Open EmuDeck in Desktop Mode.
• Open Steam Rom Manager.
• Click Next on the welcome screen.
• Turn off Parsers.
• Select Sega Master System.
• Select Add Games, then Parse.
• Verify games and cover art are displayed, then select Save to Steam.

Fix Or Upload Missing Artwork

Missing or incorrect artwork is possible with retro games. Use these steps to fix it:

• Click Fix on the cover frame. Steam ROM Manager usually finds cover art automatically. If not, search for the game title.
• Select the correct cover art and choose Save and close.

Upload Missing Artwork

If Steam ROM Manager can't find artwork:

• Download the correct artwork and save it to the Steam Deck's Pictures folder.
• Click Upload on the cover frame.
• Select the artwork, save, and close.
• If it doesn't appear, use the left/right arrows to find it.
• Click Save to Steam.
• Once the batch files complete, return to Gaming Mode.

Playing Master System Games On The Steam Deck

After adding games to your Steam library, access them like any other game:

• In Gaming Mode, press the Steam button.
• Select Library.
• Press R1 to highlight Collections.
• Select the Sega Master System collection.
• Choose your game and play.

Improve Performance

Address potential stuttering or frame rate issues:

• Open a game and press the QAM button.
• Open the Performance menu.
• Enable 'Use game profile'.
• Set Frame Limit to 60 FPS.
• Enable Half Rate Shading.

Install Decky Loader For The Steam Deck

EmuDeck recommends Decky Loader and Power Tools for enhanced control:

• Connect a keyboard and mouse (or use trackpads and on-screen keyboard).
• Switch to Desktop Mode.
• Open a browser and go to the Decky Loader GitHub page.
• Download and double-click the launcher, selecting Recommended Install.
• Restart in Gaming Mode.

Install Power Tools

Install Power Tools after Decky Loader:

• Press the QAM button.
• Select the new plugin icon.
• Choose the store icon.
• Install Power Tools.

Power Tools Settings For Emulated Games

• Launch a Master System game.
• Press QAM, then Decky Loader, then Power Tools.
• Disable SMTs.
• Set Threads to 4.
• Press QAM, open the Performance menu (battery icon).
• Enable Advanced View.
• Enable Manual GPU Clock Control.
• Set GPU Clock Frequency to 1200.
• Select Per Game Profile to save settings.

Fixing Decky Loader After A Steam Deck Update

Steam Deck updates can remove third-party apps. Restore Decky Loader:

• Switch to Desktop Mode.
• Open a browser and go to the Decky Loader GitHub page.
• Click Download, then select Execute.
• Enter your password (or create one).
• Restart in Gaming Mode.