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. Highlights included exceptional ports and versions of classics like Golden Axe, Double Dragon, and Streets of Rage. The system even surprised with titles like Mortal Kombat and Asterix & Obelix, pushing the hardware closer to the capabilities of 16-bit contemporaries like the Megadrive/Genesis.

Retro gaming enthusiasts often face limitations when playing Sega Master System games on modern hardware. However, the Steam Deck, combined with the powerful EmuDeck program, makes this a breeze. 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 easily handles Sega Master System games, 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 installation steps and a fix for restoring functionality after Steam Deck updates.

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 (optional, but recommended for easier file transfer and installation). If you don't have these, use the on-screen keyboard (Steam + X buttons) and trackpads.

Activate Developer Mode

Before installing emulators, activate Developer Mode for optimal performance:

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

- Access the Developer menu (located at the bottom of the left-hand menu).

• Under Miscellaneous, enable CEF Remote Debugging.
• Press the Steam button.
• Power > Restart the Steam Deck.

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

Installing EmuDeck In Desktop Mode

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

• Download EmuDeck using a browser (Chrome or Firefox). Choose the correct SteamOS version. After downloading, double-click the installer and follow the recommended installation.
• Select Custom Install.
• After installation, rename your SD card to "Primary" for easier access in the Dolphin file manager.
• Select RetroArch (and Steam Rom Manager) for Sega Master System emulation. You can install all emulators or just the ones you need.

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

• Enable 'Configure CRT Shader for Classic 3D Games' for a retro look (optional).
• Select Finish.

Transferring Master System ROMs

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

• Open Dolphin File Manager.

- Go to Removable Devices > Primary (your SD card).

• Navigate to Emulation > ROMs > mastersystem.
• Copy your Sega Master System ROMs (.sms files). Ignore the 'media' file.

Adding Master System Games To The Steam Library

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

• Open EmuDeck in Desktop Mode.
• Open Steam Rom Manager.
• Click Next.
• Turn off Parsers.
• Select Sega Master System.
• Select Add Games > Parse.
• Check artwork and select Save to Steam.

Fix Or Upload Missing Artwork

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

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

Upload Missing Artwork

If Steam ROM Manager can't find artwork:

• Download the artwork and save it to the Steam Deck's Pictures folder.
• Click Upload, select the artwork, and Save. If it doesn't display, use the left/right arrows to locate it.
• Click Save to Steam.

Playing Master System Games On The Steam Deck

After adding games to the Steam Library, access them like any other Steam game:

• In Gaming Mode, press the Steam button.
• Select Library.
• Press R1 to show Collections.
• Select Sega Master System, then your game.

Improve Performance

Address potential stuttering:

• Open a game, press the QAM button.
• Open Performance.
• 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.
• Download Decky Loader from its GitHub page.
• Double-click the launcher and choose Recommended Install.
• Restart in Gaming Mode.

Install Power Tools

- Press the QAM button.

• Select the Decky Loader plugin icon.
• Select the store icon.
• Install Power Tools.

Power Tools Settings For Emulated Games

• Launch a Master System game.
• Press QAM > Decky Loader > Power Tools.
• Turn off SMTs.
• Set Threads to 4.
• Press QAM > Performance > 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

Updates can remove Decky Loader from the QAM:

• Switch to Desktop Mode.
• Download Decky Loader from GitHub.
• Select Execute.
• Enter your pseudo password (or create one).
• Restart in Gaming Mode.