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The Sega Master System, a legendary 8-bit console that rivaled the NES, delighted gamers with its exclusive titles and unique adaptations. Standout games included stellar versions of Golden Axe, Double Dragon, and Streets of Rage, among others. Pushing the limits of its hardware, it even managed to run games like Mortal Kombat and Asterix & Obelix, delivering experiences akin to the 16-bit Sega Genesis/Megadrive.
For retro gaming aficionados, playing Sega Master System games on modern hardware can be challenging. However, with the Steam Deck and the powerful EmuDeck software, this dream becomes reality. Here's a comprehensive guide to setting up emulators for Sega Master System games on the Steam Deck.
Updated January 15, 2024, by Michael Llewellyn: The Steam Deck's robust hardware can easily handle Sega Master System games, yet achieving the authentic feel of an 8-bit console requires additional tweaks. This is where Decky Loader and the Power Tools plugin come into play. The EmuDeck developers highly recommend installing both to optimize retro gaming experiences. This guide has been updated to include detailed installation steps and how to resolve issues post-Steam Deck updates.
Before Installing EmuDeck
Before you embark on installing EmuDeck on your Steam Deck for Sega Master System games, ensure you have the right tools and settings 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 the Steam Deck, and format it directly on the device.
- Alternatively, an external HDD can be used, though this sacrifices the Steam Deck's portability.
- Employing a keyboard and mouse can make transferring files and running installation programs much easier, mimicking a desktop experience.
- If you don't have a keyboard and mouse, access the on-screen keyboard by pressing the Steam and X buttons simultaneously and use the trackpads as a mouse.
Activate Developer Mode
To ensure that emulators and games run seamlessly on your Steam Deck, you need to activate Developer Mode:
- Press the Steam button to open the left access panel.
- Navigate to the System menu and select System Settings.
- Enable Developer Mode by toggling it on.
- Find the Developer menu at the bottom of the access panel.
- Enter the Developer menu.
- Under Miscellaneous, activate CEF Remote Debugging.
- Press the Steam Button.
- Select Power and restart your Steam Deck.
Note that CEF Remote Debugging may get disabled after an update, which can disrupt plugins and emulators. Always check the Developer Menu post-update to ensure it remains enabled.
Installing EmuDeck In Desktop Mode
- To switch to Desktop Mode, press the Steam button below the left trackpad, select the Power option, and choose Desktop Mode.
- Use a browser such as Chrome or Firefox to download EmuDeck.
- Select the appropriate SteamOS version and download EmuDeck. Once downloaded, double-click the installer and opt for the recommended installation to begin.
- Choose Custom Install.
- After installing EmuDeck, open the menu and select the SD card labeled Primary. This renames your SD card for easy identification under Removable Devices in the Dolphin file manager.
- You can install all emulators or focus solely on the Sega Master System, selecting RetroArch.
RetroArch supports various emulators for classic gaming systems within one application, accessible under the 'Emulators' tab in the Steam library.
- Ensure the Steam Rom Manager is also selected alongside RetroArch to integrate the games into your main Steam library.
- Navigate through the options and enable the 'Configure CRT Shader for Classic 3D Games' feature for that nostalgic TV effect.
- Click Finish to complete the installation.
Transferring Master System ROMs
With RetroArch and EmuDeck installed, you can now transfer your Sega Master System ROMs:
- 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, then click ROMS.
- Locate the 'mastersystem' folder.
- Transfer or copy your Sega Master System files here. ROM files for the Sega Master System usually end in '.sms,' such as 'Pro Wrestling.sms.' Ignore the 'media' file.
Adding Master System Games To The Steam Library
To enjoy Sega Master System games in Gaming Mode, you'll need to add them to your Steam Library:
- Launch EmuDeck in Desktop Mode.
- Click on the Steam Rom Manager.
- Proceed past the Welcome to SRM! page by clicking Next.
- Disable all Parsers.
- Select Sega Master System on the Parsers screen.
- Click Add Games, then Parse.
- Confirm that games and cover art are displayed correctly, then click Save to Steam.
Fix Or Upload Missing Artwork
Given the retro nature of the Sega Master System, you might encounter missing or incorrect artwork. Follow these steps to correct or replace the cover art:
- Click Fix on the cover frame.
- The Steam ROM Manager usually fetches cover art automatically. If it's missing, type the game's title into the Search for game field.
- Browse the available game covers, select the most fitting one, and click Save and close.
Upload Missing Artwork
If the Steam Rom Manager can't find the correct cover art, you can upload your own:
- Use a browser to find the appropriate 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 click save and close.
- If the image doesn't display immediately, use the left and right arrows to locate it.
- 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 finished uploading the covers and game artwork, you can access your emulated Sega Master System games alongside your official ones:
- Switch to Gaming Mode on your Steam Deck.
- Press the Steam button under the left trackpad.
- Select Library from the side menu.
- Press the R1 button to navigate to the Collections tab.
- Click on the Sega Master System window.
- Select your desired Sega game and start playing.
Improve Performance
To address potential stuttering and frame rate issues with 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
EmuDeck developers strongly recommend installing Decky Loader and the Power Tools plugin to enhance the performance and control of emulated games on the Steam Deck. Here's how to set them up:
- Connect a keyboard and mouse for easier navigation through menus and downloads. (Alternatively, use the trackpads and the on-screen keyboard accessed by pressing Steam and X.)
- If in Gaming Mode, press the Steam button, select Power, and switch to Desktop Mode.
- Open a web browser (available for download from the Discovery Store in Desktop Mode).
- Navigate to the GitHub Decky Loader page.
- Click the large Download icon to start the download.
- Once downloaded, double-click the launcher and select the Recommended Install option.
- After installation, restart your Steam Deck in Gaming Mode.
Install Power Tools
With Decky Loader installed, you can now add the Power Tools plugin:
- In Gaming Mode, press the QAM button under 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.
- Find the Power Tools plugin in the Decky Store and install it.
Power Tools Settings For Emulated Games
To optimize 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 navigate to the Power Tools menu.
- Disable SMTs.
- Set the number of Threads to 4.
- Open the Performance menu by pressing the QAM button and selecting the 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 the Quick Access menu. To restore Decky Loader and your plugins, follow these steps:
- If in Gaming Mode, press the Steam button, open the Power menu, and switch to Desktop Mode.
- Once in Desktop Mode, launch 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 created a pseudo password yet, follow the on-screen instructions to set one up. Choose a memorable password and keep a record for future use.
- After installation, power off and restart your Steam Deck in Gaming Mode.
- Press the QAM button, and the Decky Loader app, along with your settings and plugins, should reappear.
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