Steam Deck: How To Run Sega Master System Games
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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 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 hardware closer to the capabilities of the 16-bit Megadrive/Genesis era.
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 reality. 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 performance of original 8-bit hardware can be challenging. 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 how to fix them 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 are recommended for easier file transfer and installation. If unavailable, use the on-screen keyboard (Steam + X buttons) and trackpads.
Activate Developer Mode
Enabling Developer Mode is crucial for smooth emulator operation.
- Press the Steam button to access the quick menu.
- Go to System > System Settings.
- Enable Developer Mode.
- Access the Developer menu (located at the bottom of the quick menu).
- Under Miscellaneous, enable CEF Remote Debugging.
- Press the Steam button.
- Power > Restart the Steam Deck.
Remember to check CEF Remote Debugging after updates, as it can be disabled and cause plugin/emulator issues.
Installing EmuDeck In Desktop Mode
- Press the Steam button, then Power > Switch to Desktop Mode.
- Use a browser (Chrome, Firefox, etc.) to download EmuDeck.
- Choose your SteamOS version and download. Double-click the installer, accept the defaults, and begin installation.
- Select Custom Install.
- After installation, rename your SD card to "Primary" for easier access in Dolphin file manager.
- Choose your emulators (consider only RetroArch for Sega Master System).
RetroArch runs various emulators through a single application, accessible under "Emulators" in the Steam library.
- Select Steam ROM Manager with RetroArch to display games in your Steam library.
- Enable "Configure CRT Shader for Classic 3D Games" (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).
- Open Emulation > ROMS > mastersystem.
- Transfer your .sms files (e.g., "Pro Wrestling.sms"). Ignore the "media" file.
Adding Master System Games To The Steam Library
To play in Gaming Mode, add games to your Steam Library:
- 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 > Parse.
- Ensure artwork displays correctly, then select Save to Steam.
Fix Or Upload Missing Artwork
Missing or incorrect artwork?
- Click Fix on the cover frame. Steam ROM Manager will usually find artwork. If not, search for the game title.
- Select the best artwork and click Save and close.
Upload Missing Artwork
If Steam ROM Manager can't find artwork:
- Download artwork and save it to the Steam Deck's Pictures folder.
- Click Upload on the cover frame.
- Select the artwork and click Save and close.
- If the image doesn't display, use the left/right arrows to find it.
- Click Save to Steam.
- Once finished, switch to Gaming Mode.
Playing Master System Games On The Steam Deck
After adding games to your Steam Library:
- 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 and press the QAM button.
- Go to 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.
- Use a browser to go to the Decky Loader GitHub page.
- Download and double-click the launcher. Choose Recommended Install.
- Restart in Gaming Mode.
Install Power Tools
Install Power Tools via Decky Loader:
- Press QAM button.
- Select the new 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:
- Switch to Desktop Mode.
- Download Decky Loader from GitHub.
- Select Execute.
- Enter your password (or create one).
- Restart in Gaming Mode.
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