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 8-bit competitor to the iconic NES, delighted fans with a variety of fantastic games that were either exclusive to the console or had unique versions. Notable titles included exceptional ports and versions of classics like Golden Axe, Double Dragon, and Streets of Rage. The console even pushed its limits with games like Mortal Kombat and Asterix & Obelix, which rivaled the performance of 16-bit Megadrive/Genesis titles of the era.

Retro gaming enthusiasts face challenges when playing Sega Master System games on modern systems. However, the Steam Deck, combined with the powerful EmuDeck software, makes this endeavor not only feasible but enjoyable. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to install emulators for Sega Master System games on the Steam Deck.

Updated January 15, 2024, by Michael Llewellyn: While the Steam Deck is more than capable of handling Sega Master System games, replicating the performance of an 8-bit console can present challenges. This is where the Decky Loader program and the Power Tools plugin come into play. The EmuDeck developers recommend installing both to optimize your retro gaming experience. This guide has been updated to include detailed installation steps and a fix for restoring functionality after a Steam Deck update.

Before Installing EmuDeck

Before installing EmuDeck on the Steam Deck for Sega Master System games, you need to ensure you have the necessary tools and settings in place for a smooth installation:

• Ensure your Steam Deck is plugged into a power source or fully charged.
• You'll need a high-speed micro SD card to insert into the bottom of the Steam Deck and format it on the device.
• Alternatively, you can use an external HDD, though this will compromise the Steam Deck's portability.
• Using a keyboard and mouse can streamline the file transfer and installation process, similar to using a home computer.
• If you don't have a keyboard and mouse, you can access the built-in keyboard by pressing the Steam and X buttons simultaneously and use the trackpads as a mouse substitute.

Activate Developer Mode

To ensure your emulators run smoothly on the Steam Deck, you must activate Developer Mode:

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

- The Developer menu is located at the bottom of the left panel.

• Open the Developer menu.
• Under Miscellaneous, turn on CEF Remote Debugging.
• Press the Steam Button.
• Select Power and restart the Steam Deck.

Note that CEF Remote Debugging can be disabled after an update, which may affect plugins, programs, and emulators. Always check the Developer Menu post-update to ensure it remains enabled.

Installing EmuDeck In Desktop Mode

- To switch to Desktop Mode, press the Steam button below the left trackpad, select Power, and choose Desktop Mode.

• Use a browser like Chrome or Firefox to download EmuDeck.
• Select the appropriate SteamOS version and start the download. Once the download is complete, double-click the installer and agree to the recommended install to begin the installation process.
• Choose Custom Install.
• After installing EmuDeck, open the menu and select the SD card image labeled Primary. This will rename your SD card to Primary, making it easier to locate under Removable Devices in the Dolphin file manager.
• You can install all the emulators or focus solely on the Sega Master System by selecting Retroarch.

RetroArch is a versatile application that can run various emulators for classic gaming systems. These are accessible under the 'Emulators' tab in the Steam library.

• Ensure the Steam Rom Manager is also selected with Retroarch to display the games in the main Steam library.
• Navigate through the options and activate the 'Configure CRT Shader for Classic 3D Games' feature if you want to achieve that classic TV look for your games.
• Select Finish to complete the installation.

Transferring Master System Roms

With Retroarch and EmuDeck installed, it's time to transfer your Sega Master System ROMs to their designated folders:

• Open the Dolphin File Manager.

- In the left panel, scroll down to Removable Devices and open the SD card labeled Primary.

• Navigate to the Emulation folder and click on ROMS.
• Scroll down the list to find the 'mastersystem' folder.
• Transfer or copy the Sega Master System files. Sega Master System ROM files typically have the '.sms' extension, such as 'Pro Wrestling.sms.' Ignore the file named 'media.'

Adding Master System Games To The Steam Library

While you can run Sega Master System games from Retroarch in Desktop Mode, adding them to your Steam Library allows you to play them in Gaming Mode:

• Open EmuDeck in Desktop Mode.
• Click or tap on the Steam Rom Manager.
• Click Next on the Welcome to SRM! page.
• Toggle Parsers off.
• Highlight Sega Master System on the Parsers screen.
• Select Add Games and then select Parse.
• Ensure the games and their cover arts are displayed and select Save to Steam.

Fix Or Upload Missing Artwork

Given the retro nature of the Sega Master System, you might encounter missing or incorrect artwork. Here's how to fix or replace the cover art:

• Click Fix on the cover frame.
• Typically, the Steam ROM Manager will automatically display cover art. If it's missing, enter the game's title into the Search for game field.
• Browse the list of game covers, select and highlight the best one, then choose Save and close.

Upload Missing Artwork

If the Steam Rom Manager can't find the correct artwork, follow these steps to upload it manually:

• 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 isn't displaying, click on the left and right arrows to find it.
• Then, click on Save to Steam.
• Once the batch files have finished processing, return to the Steam Deck's Gaming Mode.

Playing Master System Games On The Steam Deck

After the Steam Rom Manager has uploaded the covers and game artwork to the Steam library, you can access the emulated games just like the official ones:

• In Gaming Mode, press the Steam button below the left trackpad.
• Select Library from the side menu.
• Press the R1 button to highlight the new Collections tabs.
• Tap or click on the Sega Master System window.
• Then, select the Sega game and start playing.

Improve Performance

Some classic games may experience stuttering and frame rate issues on the Steam Deck. Here's how to address this:

• Open your Sega Master System game and press the QAM button below the right trackpad.
• Open the Performance menu.
• Toggle 'Use game profile' on.
• Increase the Frame Limit to 60 FPS.
• Switch on Half Rate Shading.

Install Decky Loader For The Steam Deck

EmuDeck developers recommend installing Decky Loader and the Power Tools plugin for all emulated games to enhance control over the Steam Deck's performance. Follow these steps to install them:

• Connect a keyboard and mouse for smoother navigation through menus and downloads. (Alternatively, use the trackpads for cursor control and the on-screen keyboard by pressing Steam and X.)
• If you're in Gaming Mode, press the Steam button, then Power, and switch to Desktop Mode.
• Open a web browser. You can download browsers from the Discovery Store.
• Navigate to the GitHub Decky Loader page.
• Click the large Download icon to start the download.
• Once the download is complete, double-click the launcher and choose the Recommended Install option.
• After installation, restart the Steam Deck in Gaming Mode.

Install Power Tools

With Decky installed, you can now add the Power Tools plugin by following these steps:

• In Gaming Mode, press the Quick Access Menu (QAM) button beneath the right trackpad.
• In the QAM, select the new plugin icon at the bottom.
• Next, choose the store icon at the top of the Decky Loader menu.
• In the Decky Store, locate the Power Tools plugin and install it.

Power Tools Settings For Emulated Games

• Press the Steam button and open your Library to launch a Master System game from your Collections menu.
• Press the QAM button, select Decky Loader, and then choose the Power Tools menu.
• Turn off SMTs.
• Adjust the number of Threads to 4.
• Press the QAM button again, then open the Performance menu by selecting the small battery icon.
• Enable Advanced View.
• Switch the Manual GPU Clock Control On.
• Increase GPU Clock Frequency to 1200.
• Select the Per Game Profile option to save these settings for each game.

Fixing Decky Loader After A Steam Deck Update

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

• If you're still in Gaming Mode, press the Steam button to open the Power menu and switch to Desktop Mode.
• Open a browser once the Steam Deck restarts in Desktop Mode.
• Navigate to the Decky Loader GitHub page and click the Download icon.
• Unlike previous installs, you must select Execute.
• Enter your pseudo password when prompted.
• If you haven't yet created a pseudo password, follow the on-screen instructions to set up a new one. Choose a memorable password and keep a record for future installations.
• After installation, turn off the Steam Deck and then restart it in Gaming Mode.
• Press the QAM button, and the Decky Loader app, along with your settings and plugins, will return to their previous state.

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