Sega Master System Games Now Playable on Steam Deck

This guide details how to install and configure emulators for Sega Master System games on your Steam Deck using EmuDeck, Decky Loader, and Power Tools. It's designed to optimize performance and provide a smooth retro gaming experience.

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, boasts a library of fantastic games. The Steam Deck, with EmuDeck, allows for seamless emulation.

Updated January 15, 2024, to include Decky Loader and Power Tools for enhanced performance and post-update recovery.

Before Installing EmuDeck

Ensure you have:

• A fully charged or connected Steam Deck.
• A high-speed microSD card (or external HDD, impacting portability).
• A keyboard and mouse (optional, but recommended).

Activate Developer Mode

Enable Developer Mode for optimal emulator functionality:

1. Access the Steam Deck's System Settings.
2. Enable Developer Mode.
3. Access the Developer menu.
4. Enable CEF Remote Debugging.
5. Restart the Steam Deck. (Note: Re-enable CEF Remote Debugging after updates.)

Installing EmuDeck in Desktop Mode

1. Switch to Desktop Mode.
2. Download EmuDeck using a web browser.
3. Choose the appropriate SteamOS version.
4. Select Custom Install.
5. Rename your SD card to "Primary".
6. Select RetroArch and Steam ROM Manager.
7. Configure CRT Shader (optional).
8. Finish the installation.

Transferring Master System ROMs

1. Open Dolphin File Manager.
2. Navigate to Removable Devices > Primary > Emulation > ROMS > mastersystem.
3. Transfer your '.sms' ROM files.

Adding Master System Games to the Steam Library

1. Open EmuDeck in Desktop Mode.
2. Launch Steam ROM Manager.
3. Disable Parsers, except for Sega Master System.
4. Add Games and Parse.
5. Save to Steam.

Fix or Upload Missing Artwork

Use Steam ROM Manager's "Fix" or "Upload" options to correct or add missing artwork. For uploads, save artwork to the Steam Deck's Pictures folder.

Upload Missing Artwork

1. Locate and save artwork to the Steam Deck's Pictures folder.
2. Use Steam ROM Manager's "Upload" function.
3. Select the artwork and save.

Playing Master System Games on the Steam Deck

1. Access your Steam Library in Gaming Mode.
2. Locate your Sega Master System collection.
3. Select and launch your game.

Improve Performance

1. Access the Quick Access Menu (QAM).
2. Open the Performance menu.
3. Enable "Use game profile".
4. Set Frame Limit to 60 FPS.
5. Enable Half Rate Shading.

Install Decky Loader for the Steam Deck

1. Switch to Desktop Mode.
2. Download Decky Loader from GitHub.
3. Choose Recommended Install.
4. Restart in Gaming Mode.

Install Power Tools

1. Access Decky Loader via QAM.
2. Open the Decky Store.
3. Install Power Tools.

Power Tools Settings for Emulated Games

1. Launch a Master System game.
2. Access Power Tools via QAM.
3. Disable SMTs.
4. Set Threads to 4.
5. Access the Performance menu.
6. Enable Advanced View.
7. Enable Manual GPU Clock Control.
8. Set GPU Clock Frequency to 1200.
9. Save per-game profile.

Fixing Decky Loader After a Steam Deck Update

1. Switch to Desktop Mode.
2. Re-download and execute the Decky Loader installer from GitHub.
3. Enter your pseudo password (or create one).
4. Restart in Gaming Mode.