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 iconic 8-bit console, offered gamers a plethora of exceptional titles that were either exclusive or uniquely adapted for the platform. Notable games include outstanding versions of Golden Axe, Double Dragon, and Streets of Rage, among others. The console even pushed its limits with games like Mortal Kombat and Asterix & Obelix, delivering experiences that rivaled those of the 16-bit Mega Drive/Genesis.

For retro gaming enthusiasts eager to relive these classics on modern hardware, the Steam Deck, combined with the robust EmuDeck software, provides an ideal solution. Here’s a detailed guide on how to set up and enjoy Sega Master System games on the Steam Deck.

Updated on January 15, 2024, by Michael Llewellyn: While the Steam Deck's power is more than sufficient for Sega Master System games, achieving the authentic performance of an 8-bit console can be challenging. The Decky Loader program and Power Tools plugin, recommended by the EmuDeck developers, enhance the retro gaming experience. This guide has been revised to include detailed installation steps and a solution to restore functionality post-Steam Deck updates.

Before Installing EmuDeck

Before you embark on installing EmuDeck on your Steam Deck for Sega Master System games, ensure you have the necessary tools and settings in place for a smooth setup process:

• Keep your Steam Deck plugged into a power source or fully charged.
• A high-speed micro SD card is essential; insert it into the bottom of the Steam Deck and format it accordingly.
• Alternatively, you can use an external HDD, though this will compromise the Steam Deck's portability.
• Using a keyboard and mouse can streamline file transfers and installation. If you don't have these, use the built-in keyboard by pressing the Steam and X buttons together and navigate with the trackpads.

Activate Developer Mode

To ensure optimal performance and compatibility when running emulators, activate Developer Mode on your Steam Deck:

• Press the Steam button to access the left panel.
• Navigate to System > System Settings.
• Enable Developer Mode.

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

• Open the Developer menu and enable CEF Remote Debugging under Miscellaneous.
• Restart your Steam Deck by pressing the Steam button, selecting Power, and choosing Restart.

Note: CEF Remote Debugging might get disabled after updates, which can affect plugins and emulators. Always check the Developer Menu post-update to ensure it's enabled.

Installing EmuDeck In Desktop Mode

- Switch to Desktop Mode by pressing the Steam button, selecting Power, and choosing Desktop Mode.

• Open a browser like Chrome or Firefox and download EmuDeck for the appropriate SteamOS version.
• Double-click the downloaded installer and select the recommended installation option.
• Opt for a Custom Install.
• After installation, open the menu and select the SD card image labeled Primary to rename it for easier access under Removable Devices in the Dolphin file manager.
• Choose to install either all emulators or specifically the Sega Master System emulator, RetroArch.

RetroArch is a versatile emulator that supports multiple classic systems, accessible under the 'Emulators' tab in the Steam library.

• Ensure the Steam Rom Manager is selected alongside RetroArch to integrate the games into the Steam library.
• Optionally, enable 'Configure CRT Shader for Classic 3D Games' for a nostalgic visual effect.
• Finalize the setup by selecting Finish.

Transferring Master System Roms

With RetroArch and EmuDeck installed, transfer your Sega Master System ROMs to their designated folders:

• Open the Dolphin File Manager.

- Navigate to Removable Devices in the left panel and open the SD card labeled Primary.

• Access the Emulation folder, then ROMS.
• Locate the 'mastersystem' folder and transfer your Sega Master System ROM files (typically with '.sms' extension, e.g., 'Pro Wrestling.sms').

Adding Master System Games To The Steam Library

To play Sega Master System games in Gaming Mode, add them to your Steam Library:

• In Desktop Mode, open EmuDeck.
• Access the Steam Rom Manager and proceed through the welcome screen.
• Disable all Parsers except for Sega Master System.
• Select Add Games, then Parse.
• Verify the games and their cover art, then save to the Steam library.

Fix Or Upload Missing Artwork

Due to the retro nature of the Sega Master System, you might encounter missing or incorrect artwork. Here’s how to address it:

• Click Fix on the cover frame.
• If the Steam ROM Manager doesn’t automatically find the correct artwork, manually search for the game’s title and select the appropriate cover.
• Save and close the selection.

Upload Missing Artwork

If the Steam Rom Manager cannot locate the artwork, follow these steps to upload it manually:

• Find and save the correct artwork to the Steam Deck's Pictures folder using a browser.
• Click Upload on the cover frame, select the new artwork from the Pictures folder, and save.
• Use the navigation arrows to locate the image if it doesn't appear immediately.
• Save to the Steam library and switch back to Gaming Mode once the process is complete.

Playing Master System Games On The Steam Deck

Once the games and their artwork are in the Steam library, you can play them in Gaming Mode:

• Press the Steam button and select Library from the side menu.
• Use the R1 button to access the Collections tab.
• Select the Sega Master System collection and choose your game to play.

Improve Performance

To optimize performance and minimize issues like stuttering, follow these steps:

• Launch your Sega Master System game and press the QAM button under the right trackpad.
• Access the Performance menu and enable 'Use game profile'.
• Set the Frame Limit to 60 FPS and enable Half Rate Shading.

Install Decky Loader For The Steam Deck

For enhanced control over the Steam Deck's performance with emulated games, the EmuDeck developers recommend installing Decky Loader and the Power Tools plugin:

• In Gaming Mode, switch to Desktop Mode via the Steam button and Power menu.
• Open a web browser (available in the Discovery Store if needed).
• Visit the GitHub Decky Loader page, download the software, and select Recommended Install.
• Restart your Steam Deck in Gaming Mode after installation.

Install Power Tools

With Decky Loader installed, add the Power Tools plugin:

• In Gaming Mode, press the QAM button and select the new plugin icon.
• Access the Decky Loader store and install Power Tools.

Power Tools Settings For Emulated Games

To configure Power Tools for Sega Master System games:

• Launch a Master System game from your Collections menu in the Steam Library.
• Access the Power Tools menu via the QAM button and Decky Loader.
• Disable SMTs and set the number of Threads to 4.
• Open the Performance menu via the QAM button and battery icon.
• Enable Advanced View and Manual GPU Clock Control.
• Set the GPU Clock Frequency to 1200 and save as a Per Game Profile.

Fixing Decky Loader After A Steam Deck Update

Steam Deck updates can sometimes disrupt third-party apps like Decky Loader. Here’s how to restore it:

• Switch to Desktop Mode via the Steam button and Power menu.
• Open a browser and revisit the Decky Loader GitHub page to download the software.
• Choose Execute during installation and enter your pseudo password when prompted.
• If you haven’t set up a pseudo password, follow the on-screen instructions to create one.
• After installation, restart your Steam Deck in Gaming Mode.
• The Decky Loader app and its plugins should now reappear in the Quick Access menu.

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