Steam Deck: How To Run Sega Master System Games

This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough for setting up Sega Master System emulation on your Steam Deck using EmuDeck, Decky Loader, and Power Tools. It covers everything from initial setup to troubleshooting post-update issues.

Quick Links

• Before Installing EmuDeck
  • Activate Developer Mode
• Installing EmuDeck in Desktop Mode
• Adding Master System Games to the Steam Library
• Fixing or Uploading Missing Artwork
  • Uploading Missing Artwork
• Playing Master System Games on the Steam Deck
  • Improving Performance
• Installing Decky Loader for the Steam Deck
• Installing Power Tools
  • Power Tools Settings for Emulated Games
• Fixing Decky Loader After a Steam Deck Update

The Sega Master System, a significant 8-bit console, boasts a library of fantastic titles, including unique versions and ports of popular games like Golden Axe, Double Dragon, and Streets of Rage. Its capabilities even extended to titles like Mortal Kombat and Asterix & Obelix, which pushed the system's boundaries.

While running Sega Master System games on modern hardware presents challenges, the Steam Deck, combined with EmuDeck, offers a robust solution. This guide details the process of setting up Sega Master System emulation on your Steam Deck.

Updated January 15, 2024, by Michael Llewellyn: This guide has been updated to include Decky Loader and Power Tools for optimal performance and post-update troubleshooting.

Before Installing EmuDeck

Prior to installing EmuDeck, ensure you have the following:

• A fully charged or plugged-in Steam Deck.
• A high-speed microSD card (formatted within the Steam Deck) or an external HDD (note: HDD use reduces portability).
• A keyboard and mouse (optional, but recommended for easier file transfer and installation).

Activate Developer Mode

Enabling Developer Mode is crucial for smooth emulation:

• Access the Steam menu, then System > System Settings.
• Enable Developer Mode.
• Access the Developer menu (bottom of the left panel).
• Enable CEF Remote Debugging under Miscellaneous.
• Restart your Steam Deck.

(Remember to check CEF Remote Debugging after updates, as it can be disabled.)

Installing EmuDeck in Desktop Mode

- Switch to Desktop Mode (Power menu).

• Download EmuDeck using a browser (Chrome or Firefox).
• Choose your SteamOS version and run the installer, selecting Custom Install.
• Rename your SD card to "Primary" for easier management.
• Select RetroArch (and Steam ROM Manager) for Sega Master System emulation.
• Configure CRT Shader (optional).
• Complete the installation.

Transferring Master System ROMs

• Open Dolphin File Manager.
• Navigate to Removable Devices > Primary > Emulation > ROMS > mastersystem.
• Transfer your .sms ROM files (excluding the 'media' file).

Adding Master System Games to the Steam Library

- Open EmuDeck in Desktop Mode.

• Launch Steam ROM Manager.
• Disable Parsers, then select Sega Master System.
• Add Games, Parse, and Save to Steam.

Fixing or Uploading Missing Artwork

- Use the "Fix" option in Steam ROM Manager to automatically find artwork.

• For missing artwork, use the "Upload" option, selecting artwork from the Steam Deck's Pictures folder.

Uploading Missing Artwork

• Locate and save artwork to the Pictures folder.
• Use the "Upload" option in Steam ROM Manager.
• Save and close; use the arrows to locate the image if needed.
• Save to Steam.

Playing Master System Games on the Steam Deck

- In Gaming Mode, access the Steam Library.

• Navigate to Collections > Sega Master System.
• Select your game and play.

Improving Performance

• Access the Quick Access Menu (QAM) during gameplay.
• Open the Performance menu.
• Enable "Use game profile," set Frame Limit to 60 FPS, and enable Half Rate Shading.

Installing Decky Loader for the Steam Deck

- Switch to Desktop Mode.

• Download Decky Loader from its GitHub page.
• Run the installer, selecting Recommended Install.
• Restart in Gaming Mode.

Installing Power Tools

- Access QAM, then the Decky Loader plugin icon.

• Open the Decky Store and install Power Tools.

Power Tools Settings for Emulated Games

• Launch a Master System game.
• Access QAM > Decky Loader > Power Tools.
• Disable SMTs, set Threads to 4.
• Access Performance menu (battery icon), enable Advanced View.
• Enable Manual GPU Clock Control, set GPU Clock Frequency to 1200.
• Save per-game profiles.

Fixing Decky Loader After a Steam Deck Update

- Switch to Desktop Mode.

• Download Decky Loader from GitHub and select "Execute."
• Enter your pseudo password (or create one).
• Restart in Gaming Mode.