"How to Play Sega Master System Games on Steam Deck"

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, a beloved 8-bit console that rivaled the NES, brought fans an array of fantastic games, many of which were exclusive or featured unique versions. From exceptional ports like Golden Axe, Double Dragon, and Streets of Rage to ambitious titles such as Mortal Kombat and Asterix & Obelix, the console pushed its limits to deliver gameplay experiences that rivaled its 16-bit contemporaries.

For retro gaming enthusiasts, playing Sega Master System games on modern systems can be challenging, but the Steam Deck, paired with the powerful EmuDeck software, makes it a breeze. Below, we'll guide you through the process of installing emulators for Sega Master System games on your Steam Deck.

Updated January 15, 2024, by Michael Llewellyn: While the Steam Deck is more than capable of running Sega Master System games, ensuring smooth performance can be tricky. That's where the Decky Loader program and the Power Tools plugin come into play. The EmuDeck developers recommend installing both for the best retro gaming experience. This guide has been updated to include installation steps and details on how to restore functionality after a Steam Deck update.

Before Installing EmuDeck

Before you dive into installing EmuDeck on your Steam Deck for Sega Master System games, ensure you're equipped with the right tools and settings for a smooth setup:

• Make sure 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 your Steam Deck, formatted on the device itself.
• Alternatively, you can use an external HDD, though this will compromise the Steam Deck's portability.
• A keyboard and mouse can simplify the process of transferring files and running installation programs, much like 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 run emulators and games smoothly on your Steam Deck, activating Developer Mode is crucial:

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

- Find the Developer menu at the bottom of the left panel.

• Open the Developer menu.
• Under Miscellaneous, switch on CEF Remote Debugging.
• Press the Steam button, select Power, and Restart the Steam Deck.

Remember, CEF Remote Debugging can be disabled after a system update, which may affect plugins and emulators. Always check the Developer Menu post-update to ensure it's enabled.

Installing EmuDeck In Desktop Mode

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

• Use a browser like Chrome or Firefox to download the EmuDeck installer.
• Select the appropriate SteamOS version and start the download. Once downloaded, double-click the installer and follow the prompts to initiate the installation.
• Opt for Custom Install.
• After EmuDeck is installed, navigate to the menu and select the SD card labeled Primary. This renames your SD card to Primary, making it easier to locate in the Dolphin file manager under Removable Devices.
• You can install all emulators or specifically select Retroarch for Sega Master System support.

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 selected alongside Retroarch to display games in your Steam library.
• Navigate through the options and enable 'Configure CRT Shader for Classic 3D Games' if you want to experience that nostalgic TV look.
• Click 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 respective folders:

• Open the Dolphin File Manager.

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

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

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 for seamless gameplay in Gaming Mode:

• Open EmuDeck in Desktop Mode.
• Click on the Steam Rom Manager.
• Click Next on the Welcome to SRM! page.
• Turn off Parsers.
• Select Sega Master System from the Parsers screen.
• Click Add Games, then Parse.
• Ensure the games and their cover arts are displayed correctly, then click 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.
• Usually, the Steam ROM Manager will auto-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, use 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, use the left and right arrows to locate it.
• Then, click on Save to Steam.
• Once the batch files have processed, switch back 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 your Steam library, you can access these emulated games just like your official ones:

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

Improve Performance

To enhance the performance of your Sega Master System games on the Steam Deck:

• Open your Sega Master System game and press the QAM button under the right trackpad.
• Access 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

For optimal performance with emulated games, the EmuDeck developers suggest installing Decky Loader and the Power Tools plugin. Here's how to set them up:

• Connect a keyboard and mouse for easier navigation (or use the trackpads and the on-screen keyboard by pressing Steam and X).
• If in Gaming Mode, press the Steam button, select Power, and switch to Desktop Mode.
• Open a web browser (downloadable 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 select Recommended Install.
• After installation, restart your Steam Deck in Gaming Mode.

Install Power Tools

With Decky installed, add the Power Tools plugin using these steps:

• In Gaming Mode, press the QAM button under the right trackpad.
• In the QAM, select the new plugin icon at the bottom.
• Click the store icon at the top of the Decky Loader menu.
• In the Decky Store, locate and install the Power Tools plugin.

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, navigate to Decky Loader, and select the Power Tools menu.
• Disable SMTs.
• Set the number of Threads to 4.
• Press the QAM button, then open the Performance menu by clicking the small battery icon.
• Enable Advance View.
• Turn on Manual GPU Clock Control.
• 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 in Gaming Mode, press the Steam button to access the Power menu and switch to Desktop Mode.
• Once in Desktop Mode, open a browser.
• Navigate to the Decky Loader GitHub page and click the Download icon.
• Unlike previous installations, select Execute.
• Enter your pseudo password when prompted.
• If you haven't set a pseudo password yet, follow the on-screen instructions to create one. Choose a memorable password and keep it safe for future use.
• After installation, power off your Steam Deck and restart it in Gaming Mode.
• Press the QAM button, and Decky Loader, along with your settings and plugins, should be restored.

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