"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 classic 8-bit console that rivaled the NES, delighted gamers with exclusive titles and unique versions of popular games. From stellar adaptations like Golden Axe and Double Dragon to ambitious titles like Mortal Kombat and Asterix & Obelix, the Master System pushed its hardware to deliver experiences akin to 16-bit games of the era.

Retro gaming fans eager to play Sega Master System games on modern hardware can turn to the Steam Deck, enhanced by EmuDeck, to bring these classics to life. Here's a step-by-step guide to setting up emulators for Sega Master System games on your Steam Deck.

Updated January 15, 2024, by Michael Llewellyn: The Steam Deck's power allows for seamless gameplay of Sega Master System titles, but to truly optimize the 8-bit experience, additional tools like Decky Loader and Power Tools are recommended by EmuDeck developers. This guide has been updated to include installation instructions and solutions for restoring functionality after a Steam Deck update.

Before Installing EmuDeck

Before diving into the world of Sega Master System games on your Steam Deck with EmuDeck, ensure you're fully prepared with the right tools and settings for a smooth setup:

• Make sure your Steam Deck is either plugged into a power source or fully charged.
• Use a high-speed micro SD card, inserted into the bottom of the Steam Deck and formatted on the device itself.
• Alternatively, an external HDD can be used, though this will compromise the Steam Deck's portability.
• Using a keyboard and mouse can make file transfers and program installations easier, much like on a PC.
• If you don't have these peripherals, you can access the built-in keyboard by pressing the Steam and X buttons simultaneously and navigate using the trackpads as a mouse substitute.

Activate Developer Mode

To ensure your emulators and games run flawlessly on the Steam Deck, you need to activate Developer Mode:

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

- The Developer menu can be found at the bottom of the access panel.

• Enter the Developer menu.
• Under the Miscellaneous section, turn on 'CEF Remote Debugging'.
• Press the Steam Button, then select Power, and restart your Steam Deck.

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

Installing EmuDeck In Desktop Mode

- Access the side menu by pressing the Steam button below the left trackpad, then choose Power and switch to Desktop Mode.

• Use a browser like Chrome or Firefox to download the EmuDeck installer.
• Select the appropriate SteamOS version and begin the download. Once downloaded, double-click the installer and proceed with the recommended installation.
• Opt for the Custom Install option.
• After installation, open the menu and select the SD card labeled as 'Primary.' This renames your SD card, making it easier to find under Removable Devices in the Dolphin file manager.
• You can choose to install all emulators or specifically select Retroarch for Sega Master System emulation.

RetroArch is a versatile emulator that supports multiple classic gaming systems within one application, accessible through the 'Emulators' tab in your Steam library.

• Ensure the Steam Rom Manager is selected alongside Retroarch to integrate your games into the Steam library.
• Explore the options and enable the 'Configure CRT Shader for Classic 3D Games' feature if you're looking to recreate that nostalgic TV look.
• Click 'Finish' to complete the installation.

Transferring Master System Roms

With Retroarch and EmuDeck installed, you're ready to add your Sega Master System ROMs:

• Launch the Dolphin File Manager.

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

• Access the Emulation folder, then click on ROMS.
• Find the 'mastersystem' folder within the list.
• Transfer or copy your Sega Master System files. These 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 you to play them in Gaming Mode:

• Launch EmuDeck in Desktop Mode.
• Navigate to the Steam Rom Manager and click 'Next' on the welcome page.
• Toggle off 'Parsers.'
• Select Sega Master System on the Parsers screen.
• Click 'Add Games,' then 'Parse.'
• Verify that the games and their cover art are displayed correctly, then select 'Save to Steam.'

Fix Or Upload Missing Artwork

Due to the retro nature of the Sega Master System, you might encounter issues with missing or incorrect artwork. Here's how to address this:

• Click 'Fix' on the cover frame.
• Usually, the Steam ROM Manager will automatically fetch cover art. If it's missing, type the game's title into the 'Search for game' field.
• Browse through the available game covers, select the most suitable one, then click 'Save' and close.

Upload Missing Artwork

If the Steam Rom Manager can't find the right cover art, follow these steps to upload it manually:

• Search for the correct artwork using a browser 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 doesn't appear, use the left and right arrows to locate it.
• Finally, click 'Save to Steam.'
• Once the batch files are processed, switch back to the Steam Deck's Gaming Mode.

Playing Master System Games On The Steam Deck

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

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

Improve Performance

To enhance the performance of classic games on the Steam Deck, follow these steps:

• 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.
• Turn on 'Half Rate Shading.'

Install Decky Loader For The Steam Deck

For optimal performance with emulated games, 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 on-screen keyboard (activated by pressing Steam and X).
• If in Gaming Mode, press the Steam button, select Power, and switch to Desktop Mode.
• Open a web browser. You can download one from the Discovery Store if needed.
• Navigate to the Decky Loader GitHub page.
• Click the large Download icon to start the download.
• After the download, double-click the launcher and select the Recommended Install option.
• Once installed, restart your Steam Deck in Gaming Mode.

Install Power Tools

With Decky Loader in place, you can add the Power Tools plugin with these steps:

• In Gaming Mode, press the QAM button under the right trackpad.
• In the QAM, click the new plugin icon at the bottom.
• Select the store icon at the top of the Decky Loader menu.
• Find the Power Tools plugin in the Decky Store and install it.

Power Tools Settings For Emulated Games

To fine-tune your Sega Master System games with Power Tools:

• 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 the Power Tools menu.
• Disable SMTs.
• Set the number of Threads to 4.
• Press the QAM button again, then open the Performance menu by selecting the small battery icon.
• Enable 'Advance View.'
• Turn on 'Manual GPU Clock Control.'
• Adjust the 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 updates to the Steam Deck can alter menus and settings, potentially removing third-party apps from your Quick Access menu. To restore Decky Loader and its plugins:

• If still in Gaming Mode, press the Steam button, open the Power menu, and switch to Desktop Mode.
• Once in Desktop Mode, open a browser.
• Visit the Decky Loader GitHub page and click the Download icon.
• Choose 'Execute' for this installation, unlike previous ones.
• Enter your pseudo password when prompted. If you haven't set one up, follow the on-screen instructions to create one. Remember this password for future use.
• After installation, power off and restart your Steam Deck in Gaming Mode.
• Press the QAM button, and Decky Loader along with your settings and plugins should reappear.

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