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The Sega Master System, an iconic 8-bit console that rivaled the NES, brought to life a host of unforgettable games, many of which were either exclusive to the platform or boasted unique versions. Standouts include remarkable adaptations like Golden Axe, Double Dragon, and Streets of Rage, along with titles like Mortal Kombat and Asterix & Obelix, which pushed the system to the limits, delivering experiences that mirrored those of the 16-bit era.
For retro gaming enthusiasts eager to revisit Sega Master System classics on modern hardware, the Steam Deck, enhanced by EmuDeck, provides an excellent solution. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to set up emulators for Sega Master System games on your Steam Deck.
Updated January 15, 2024, by Michael Llewellyn: Although the Steam Deck is more than capable of handling Sega Master System games, replicating the performance of an 8-bit console can be challenging. This is where Decky Loader and the Power Tools plugin come into play. The EmuDeck developers recommend installing these tools to optimize your retro gaming experience. This guide has been updated to detail the installation process and the necessary steps to restore functionality post-Steam Deck updates.
Before Installing EmuDeck
Before diving into the installation of EmuDeck on your Steam Deck for Sega Master System games, it's crucial to have the right tools and settings in place for a smooth setup:
- Ensure your Steam Deck is either plugged into a power source or fully charged.
- A high-speed micro SD card is essential. Insert it into the bottom of the Steam Deck and format it on the device.
- Alternatively, you could use an external HDD, though this would compromise the Steam Deck's portability.
- For a more streamlined process, use a keyboard and mouse as you would on a PC. This makes transferring files and running installation programs much easier.
- If you don't have a keyboard and mouse, access the built-in keyboard by pressing the Steam and X buttons simultaneously and navigate using the trackpads.
Activate Developer Mode
To ensure seamless gameplay and emulation, you'll need to activate Developer Mode on your Steam Deck:
- Press the Steam button to access the left panel.
- Navigate to the System menu and find System Settings.
- Toggle Enable Developer Mode on.
- The Developer menu is located at the bottom of the left panel.
- Open the Developer menu.
- Under Miscellaneous, enable CEF Remote Debugging.
- Press the Steam Button, select Power, and restart your Steam Deck.
Note that CEF Remote Debugging may be disabled after a system update, which can affect plugins and emulators. Always check the Developer Menu post-update to ensure it's enabled.
Installing EmuDeck In Desktop Mode
- To switch to Desktop Mode, press the Steam button below the left trackpad, select Power, and choose Desktop Mode.
- Use a browser like Chrome or Firefox to download EmuDeck.
- Choose the appropriate SteamOS version and download the installer. Double-click the installer, agree to the recommended install, and begin the installation.
- Opt for a Custom Install.
- After EmuDeck installation, open the menu and select the SD card labeled Primary. This renames your SD card, making it easier to find under Removable Devices in the Dolphin file manager.
- You can install all emulators or focus solely on the Sega Master System by selecting Retroarch.
RetroArch is a versatile application that can run multiple emulators for various classic gaming systems, accessible through the 'Emulators' tab in the Steam library.
- Ensure the Steam Rom Manager is also selected with Retroarch to display the games in the main Steam library.
- Navigate through the options and enable the 'Configure CRT Shader for Classic 3D Games' feature for that nostalgic look.
- Click Finish to complete the installation.
Transferring Master System Roms
With Retroarch and EmuDeck installed, you're ready to transfer your Sega Master System ROMs:
- Launch the Dolphin File Manager.
- In the left panel, navigate to Removable Devices and open the SD card labeled Primary.
- Locate the Emulation folder and click on ROMS.
- Find the 'mastersystem' folder within the list.
- Transfer or copy your Sega Master System files. These typically have the '.sms' extension, such as 'Pro Wrestling.sms.' Ignore the file named 'media.'
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:
- Open EmuDeck in Desktop Mode.
- Click on the Steam Rom Manager.
- Click Next on the Welcome to SRM! page.
- Disable Parsers.
- Select Sega Master System on the Parsers screen.
- Click Add Games and then Parse.
- Confirm that the games and their cover art are displayed, then select Save to Steam.
Fix Or Upload Missing Artwork
With a retro console like the Sega Master System, missing or incorrect artwork can be an issue. Here's how to fix or replace the cover art:
- Click Fix on the cover frame.
- The Steam ROM Manager should automatically display cover art. If it's missing, enter the game's title into the Search for game field.
- Browse the list of game covers, select the best one, and then choose Save and close.
Upload Missing Artwork
If the Steam Rom Manager can't find the appropriate cover, follow these steps to upload one:
- 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 display, use the left and right arrows to find 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
After the Steam Rom Manager has uploaded the covers and game artwork to your Steam library, you can play your emulated games as you would official titles:
- In Gaming Mode, press the Steam button beneath 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.
- Select your desired Sega game and start playing.
Improve Performance
To address potential stuttering and frame rate issues in classic games, follow these steps:
- Launch your Sega Master System game and press the QAM button beneath 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 recommend installing Decky Loader and the Power Tools plugin to optimize performance for emulated games. Here’s how to install them:
- Connect a keyboard and mouse for easier navigation through menus and downloads. (Alternatively, use the trackpads and the 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 (downloadable from the Discovery Store if needed).
- 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 Quick Access Menu (QAM) button beneath the right trackpad.
- In the QAM, select the new plugin icon at the bottom.
- Choose 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
- Press the Steam button and open your Library to launch a Master System game from your Collections menu.
- Press the QAM button, navigate to Decky Loader, and select the Power Tools menu.
- Disable SMTs.
- Set the number of Threads to 4.
- Press the QAM button, 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 updates to the Steam Deck can alter menus and settings, potentially removing third-party apps like Decky Loader from your Quick Access menu. Here’s how to restore it and your plugins:
- If in Gaming Mode, press the Steam button, access the Power menu, and switch to Desktop Mode.
- Once restarted, open a browser.
- Go to the Decky Loader GitHub page and click the Download icon.
- This time, select Execute.
- 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 it safe for future installations.
- 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 return to their previous state.
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