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The Sega Master System, an iconic 8-bit gaming console that rivaled the NES, brought fans a plethora of amazing games. From exclusive titles to unique versions of classics like Golden Axe, Double Dragon, and Streets of Rage, the Master System offered a rich gaming experience. It even pushed its boundaries with games like Mortal Kombat and Asterix & Obelix, delivering performance comparable to 16-bit Megadrive/Genesis titles of the era.
For retro gaming enthusiasts, playing Sega Master System games on modern hardware can be challenging. However, the powerful Steam Deck, combined with the versatile EmuDeck software, makes this not only possible but enjoyable. Here’s how you can set up and enjoy these classic games on your Steam Deck.
Updated January 15, 2024, by Michael Llewellyn: While the Steam Deck can easily handle Sega Master System games, replicating the precise performance of an 8-bit console can be tricky. This is where Decky Loader and the Power Tools plugin come in handy. EmuDeck developers highly recommend installing both for an optimal retro gaming experience. This guide has been updated to include detailed installation steps and a fix for restoring functionality after a Steam Deck update.
Before Installing EmuDeck
Before you dive into installing EmuDeck on your Steam Deck for Sega Master System games, make sure you have the right tools and settings in place for a smooth setup:
- Keep your Steam Deck plugged into a power source or ensure it's fully charged.
- Use a high-speed micro SD card inserted into the bottom of your Steam Deck and format it on the device.
- Alternatively, an external HDD can be used, though it will compromise the Steam Deck's portability.
- A keyboard and mouse can make the process of transferring files and running installation programs much easier, just like on a home computer.
- If you don't have a keyboard and mouse, press the Steam and X buttons simultaneously to bring up the built-in keyboard and use the trackpads as a mouse substitute.
Activate Developer Mode
To ensure your emulators run smoothly and your games play correctly, activating Developer Mode is essential:
- Press the Steam button to access the left panel.
- Navigate to the System menu and select System Settings.
- Toggle Enable Developer Mode on.
- Find the Developer menu at the bottom of the access panel.
- Open the Developer menu.
- Under Miscellaneous, enable CEF Remote Debugging.
- Press the Steam Button, select Power, and restart your Steam Deck.
Remember, CEF Remote Debugging may become disabled after updates, which can affect plugins 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 select Power and switch to Desktop Mode.
- Use a browser like Chrome or Firefox to download EmuDeck.
- Choose the appropriate SteamOS version and start the download. Once the download is complete, double-click the installer and follow the recommended installation process.
- Opt for Custom Install.
- After EmuDeck is installed, open the menu and select the SD card image labeled Primary. This renames your SD card to Primary, making it easier to find under Removable Devices in the Dolphin file manager.
- You can choose to install all emulators or focus solely on the Sega Master System by selecting Retroarch.
RetroArch serves as a universal frontend for emulating various classic gaming systems, accessible under the 'Emulators' tab in your Steam library.
- Ensure the Steam Rom Manager is selected along with Retroarch to integrate your games into the main Steam library.
- Navigate through the options and activate the 'Configure CRT Shader for Classic 3D Games' feature if you want that nostalgic CRT TV effect.
- Select Finish to complete the installation.
Transferring Master System Roms
With Retroarch and EmuDeck set up, it's time to add your Sega Master System ROMs to the designated folders:
- Open the Dolphin File Manager.
- In the left panel, scroll to Removable Devices and open the SD card labeled Primary.
- Navigate to the Emulation folder and click on ROMS.
- Find the 'mastersystem' folder in the list.
- Transfer or copy your Sega Master System files here. These ROMs typically have a '.sms' extension, such as 'Pro Wrestling.sms.' Ignore any file named 'media.'
Adding Master System Games To The Steam Library
While you can play Sega Master System games directly from Retroarch in Desktop Mode, integrating them into your Steam Library allows you to play in Gaming Mode:
- Launch EmuDeck in Desktop Mode.
- Select the Steam Rom Manager.
- Click Next on the Welcome to SRM! page.
- Disable Parsers.
- Highlight Sega Master System on the Parsers screen.
- Click Add Games and then Parse.
- Verify that the games and their cover arts are displayed correctly, then select Save to Steam.
Fix Or Upload Missing Artwork
Given the age of the Sega Master System, you might encounter missing or incorrect artwork. Here's how to fix or replace the cover art:
- Click Fix on the cover frame.
- The Steam ROM Manager usually displays cover art automatically. If it's missing, enter the game's title in the Search for game field.
- Browse the list of game covers, select the best one, and choose Save and close.
Upload Missing Artwork
If the Steam Rom Manager can't find the right artwork, follow these steps to upload it yourself:
- Use a browser to find the correct artwork 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, click the left and right arrows to locate it.
- Then, click on 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
After the Steam Rom Manager has added the covers and game artwork to your Steam library, you can enjoy your emulated games just like the official ones:
- In Gaming Mode, press the Steam button below the left trackpad.
- Select Library from the side menu.
- Use the R1 button to navigate to the new Collections tabs.
- Click on the Sega Master System window.
- Choose your desired Sega game and start playing.
Improve Performance
Some classic games may experience stuttering or frame rate issues on the Steam Deck. Here’s how to improve their performance:
- Launch your Sega Master System game and press the QAM button below the right trackpad.
- Open 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
EmuDeck developers suggest installing Decky Loader and the Power Tools plugin for enhanced control and performance when playing emulated games. Here's how to set it up:
- Connect a keyboard and mouse for easier navigation (you can also use the trackpads and on-screen keyboard 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 browsers from the Discovery Store).
- Navigate to the GitHub Decky Loader page.
- Click the large Download icon to begin downloading.
- Once the download is complete, double-click the launcher and select Recommended Install.
- After installation, restart your Steam Deck in Gaming Mode.
Install Power Tools
With Decky Loader installed, you can add the Power Tools plugin:
- In Gaming Mode, press the Quick Access Menu (QAM) button below the right trackpad.
- In the QAM, select the new plugin icon at the bottom.
- Click the store icon at the top of the Decky Loader menu.
- In the Decky Store, find the Power Tools plugin and install it.
Power Tools Settings For Emulated Games
- From the Steam button, open your Library and launch a Master System game from the Collections menu.
- Press the QAM button, select Decky Loader, and navigate to 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 Advanced View.
- Turn on Manual GPU Clock Control.
- Increase 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 Steam Deck updates can alter menus and settings, potentially removing third-party apps from your Quick Access menu. Here’s how to restore Decky Loader and your plugins:
- If 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.
- This time, select Execute instead of Recommended Install.
- Enter your pseudo password when prompted.
- If you haven't set up a pseudo password yet, follow the on-screen instructions to create one. Choose a memorable password and keep it safe for future use.
- After installation, power off your Steam Deck and restart it in Gaming Mode.
- Press the QAM button, and Decky Loader, along with your settings and plugins, should be restored.
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