Steam Deck: How To Run Sega Master System Games

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 8-bit rival to the NES, boasted a fantastic library of games, including exclusives and unique versions of popular titles. Standouts included impressive ports of Golden Axe, Double Dragon, and Streets of Rage, pushing the console's capabilities with games like Mortal Kombat and Asterix & Obelix, which played surprisingly close to 16-bit Megadrive/Genesis titles.

While playing Sega Master System games on modern systems can be challenging, the Steam Deck, combined with EmuDeck, makes it surprisingly easy. This guide walks you through installing the necessary emulators on your Steam Deck.

Updated January 15, 2024, by Michael Llewellyn: While the Steam Deck easily handles Sega Master System games, replicating the performance of original hardware can be tricky. Decky Loader and the Power Tools plugin, recommended by EmuDeck developers, significantly enhance retro gaming. This guide has been updated to include their installation and troubleshooting steps for Steam Deck updates.

Before Installing EmuDeck

Before installing EmuDeck for Sega Master System games on your Steam Deck, ensure you have:

• A fully charged Steam Deck or a reliable power source.
• A high-speed microSD card (formatted on the Steam Deck) or an external HDD (note: using an HDD will reduce portability).
• A keyboard and mouse (recommended for easier file transfers and installations; the Steam Deck's on-screen keyboard and trackpads are alternatives).

Activate Developer Mode

Enabling Developer Mode is crucial for smooth emulator operation:

• Press the Steam button, open the System menu, and select System Settings.
• Enable Developer Mode.

- Access the Developer menu (located at the bottom of the access panel).

• Under Miscellaneous, enable CEF Remote Debugging.
• Restart your Steam Deck.

Note: CEF Remote Debugging may disable after updates, potentially affecting plugins and emulators. Always check after an update.

Installing EmuDeck In Desktop Mode

- Access Desktop Mode (Steam button > Power > Desktop Mode).

• Download EmuDeck using a browser (Chrome or Firefox). Choose the correct SteamOS version.
• Run the installer and select Custom Install.
• During installation, select the SD card as "Primary" for easier access.
• Choose RetroArch (recommended) and Steam ROM Manager. You can select all emulators or only the Sega Master System.

RetroArch allows running multiple emulators through one application, accessible in your Steam Library under "Emulators." Steam ROM Manager integrates games into your Steam library.

• Enable "Configure CRT Shader for Classic 3D Games" (optional, for a retro visual style).
• Complete the installation.

Transferring Master System ROMs

• Open Dolphin File Manager.

- Navigate to Removable Devices > Primary (your SD card).

• Go to Emulation > ROMS > mastersystem.
• Copy your Sega Master System ROMs (.sms files). Ignore the "media" file.

Adding Master System Games To The Steam Library

- Open EmuDeck in Desktop Mode and launch Steam ROM Manager.

• Follow the on-screen instructions, disabling Parsers except for Sega Master System.
• Select "Add Games," then "Parse."
• Verify game and artwork display, then select "Save to Steam."

Fix Or Upload Missing Artwork

Missing or incorrect artwork is common with retro games.

• Click "Fix" to automatically find artwork. If this fails, use "Search for game" to manually find and save the correct artwork.

Upload Missing Artwork

• Download the correct artwork and save it to the Steam Deck's Pictures folder.
• Click "Upload," select the image, and save. Use the left/right arrows to locate the image if needed, then "Save to Steam."

Playing Master System Games On The Steam Deck

- In Gaming Mode, access your Steam Library.

• Select the "Collections" tab (R1 button).
• Choose your Sega Master System collection and launch your game.

Improve Performance

• Open a game and press the QAM button.
• In the Performance menu, enable "Use game profile," set the Frame Limit to 60 FPS, and enable Half Rate Shading.

Install Decky Loader For The Steam Deck

- Connect a keyboard and mouse (optional). Switch to Desktop Mode.

• Download Decky Loader from its GitHub page.
• Run the installer and choose Recommended Install.
• Restart your Steam Deck in Gaming Mode.

Install Power Tools

- Press the QAM button, select the Decky Loader plugin icon, then the store icon.

• Install the Power Tools plugin.

Power Tools Settings For Emulated Games

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

Fixing Decky Loader After A Steam Deck Update

Steam Deck updates may remove Decky Loader.

• Switch to Desktop Mode.
• Re-download Decky Loader from GitHub and select "Execute."
• Enter your password (or create one if needed).
• Restart your Steam Deck in Gaming Mode.