Steam Deck — How To Run Sega Master System Games

Quick Links

• Before Installing EmuDeck

• Installing EmuDeck In Desktop Mode

• Adding Master System Games To The Steam Library

• Fix Or Upload Missing Artwork

• Playing Master System Games On The Steam Deck

The Sega Master System, an 8-Bit competitor to the NES, offered fans fantastic games that were either exclusive to the console or had unique versions. Notable titles on the Sega Master System included exceptional ports and versions of Golden Axe, Double Dragon, and Streets of Rage, among others. The console even stretched its capabilities with games like Mortal Kombat and Asterix & Obelix, which performed closer to 16-Bit Megadrive/Genesis titles of that era.

Enthusiasts of retro gaming are limited when playing Sega Master System games on a modern system, yet the Steam Deck, coupled with a robust program known as EmuDeck, makes this feasible. This guide will demonstrate how to install the emulators for Sega Master System games.

Before Installing EmuDeck

Prior to installing EmuDeck on the Steam Deck for Sega Master System games, you must have the appropriate tools and settings for a seamless installation process:

• Ensure the Steam Deck is either plugged into a mains or fully charged.
• You'll need a high speed micro SD card to plug into the bottom of the Steam Deck and formatted on the Steam Deck.
• Instead of an SD card, you could use an external HDD, but the Steam Deck will lose its portabilty as a result.
• Using a keyboard and mouse like a home computer can streamline the process of transferring files and executing installation programs.
• If you don't have a keyboard and mouse, you can pull up the built-in keyboard by pressing the Steam and X buttons together and use the trackpads instead of a mouse.

Installing EmuDeck In Desktop Mode

• To access the side menu, press the Steam button located below the left trackpad. Then, select the Power option and switch to Desktop Mode.
• Use a browser like Chrome or Firefox to obtain the EmuDeck Download.
• Select the desired SteamOS version and initiate the download. Once the EmuDeck download is complete, double-click on the installer and agree to the recommended install to start the installation process.
• Select Custom Install.
• After installing EmuDeck, open the menu and choose the SD card image labeled Primary. This will rename your SD card to Primary, making it easier to locate under Removable Devices in the Dolphin file manager.
• You can install all the emulators or just focus on the Sega Master System and select Retroarch.

RetroArch can run various emulators for classic gaming systems through a single application. These are accessible under the 'Emulators' tab in the Steam library.

• Make sure the Steam Rom Manager is also selected with Retroarch to show the games in the main Steam library.
• Navigate through the options and activate the 'Configure CRT Shader for Classic 3D Games' feature if you want that classic TV look to the games.
• Select Finish to finalize the installation.

Transfering Master System Roms

With Retroarch and EmuDeck installed, it's time to transfer your Sega Master System ROMS to their desired folders.

• Open the Dolphin File Manager.

• On the left panel, scroll down to Removable Devices and open the SD card labeled Primary.
• Open the Emulation folder and click ROMS.
• Scroll down the list and locate the 'mastersystem' folder.
• Transfer or copy the Sega Master System files. Sega Master System ROM files typically have the extension '.sms', such as 'Pro Wrestling.sms'. Disregard the file named 'media'.

Adding Master System Games To The Steam Library

Even though you can run the Sega Master system games from Retroarch in Desktop Mode, you'll want to add the games to your Steam Library to play them in Gaming Mode.

• Open EmuDeck in Desktop Mode.
• Click or tap on the Steam Rom Manager.
• Click Next on the Welcome to SRM! page.
• Toggle Parsers off.
• Highlight Sega Master System on the Parsers screen.
• Select Add Games and then select Parse.
• Ensure the games and the cover art is displayed and select Save to Steam.

Fix Or Upload Missing Artwork

Given that the Sega Master System is a retro console, it's possible to encounter missing or incorrect artwork. Use the following steps to replace or fix the cover art.

• Click Fix on the cover frame.
• Typically, the Steam ROM Manager will automatically display cover art. If it is missing, enter the game's title into the Search for game field.
• Browse the list of game covers, select and highlight the best one, then choose Save and close.

Upload Missing Artwork

Use the following steps to upload a cover if the Steam Rom Manager doesn't locate one for you.

• Use a browser to find and save 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 isn't displaying, click on the left and right arrows to find it.
• Then click on Save to Steam.
• When the batch files have finished, return to the Steam Deck's Gaming Mode.

Playing Master System Games On The Steam Deck

After the Steam Rom Manager has finished uploading the covers and artwork into the Steam library, you can access the emulated games the same way as the official ones.

• With the Steam Deck in Gaming Mode, press the Steam button underneath the left trackpad.
• Select Library from the side menu.
• Press the R1 button to highlight the new Collections tabs.
• Tap or click on the Sega Master System window.
• Then select the Sega game and play.

Improve Performance

Some classic games can have stuttering and frame rate issues running on the Steam Deck. Use the following steps:

• With the Sega Master System game playing, press the QAM button underneath the right trackpad.
• Open the Performance menu.
• Toggle 'Use game profile' on.
• Increase the Frame Limit to 60 FPS.
• Switch on Half Rate Shading.

That's everything you need to know in order to run Sega Master System games on the Steam Deck and increase the performance for the classic 8-bit titles.

Screen 7″ diagonal 1280 x 800px (16:10 aspect ratio) 60Hz Storage 64 GB — 512 GB CPU AMD APU Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz Connectivity Bluetooth 5.0 and Dual-band Wi-Fi radio, 2.4GHz and 5GHz Dimensions 298mm x 117mm x 49mm Audio Stereo with embedded DSP for an immersive listening experience and Dual Microphone Array Expand $418 at Amazon$490 at Walmart