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 also covers troubleshooting steps after Steam Deck updates.

Quick Links

• Before Installing EmuDeck
  • Activate Developer Mode
• Installing EmuDeck in Desktop Mode
• Adding Master System Games to the Steam Library
• Fixing or Uploading Missing Artwork
  • Uploading Missing Artwork
• Playing Master System Games on the Steam Deck
  • Improving Performance
• Installing Decky Loader for the Steam Deck
• Installing 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 excellent games. The Steam Deck, with EmuDeck, provides a powerful platform to relive these titles.

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

Before Installing EmuDeck

Ensure you have:

• A fully charged or plugged-in Steam Deck.
• A high-speed microSD card (or external HDD, though this impacts portability).
• A keyboard and mouse (optional, but recommended for easier file management).

Activate Developer Mode

Enable Developer Mode for optimal emulator functionality:

• Access the Steam menu, then System Settings.
• Enable Developer Mode.
• Access the Developer menu (bottom of the access panel).
• Enable CEF Remote Debugging under Miscellaneous.
• Restart your Steam Deck. (Note: CEF Remote Debugging may need re-enabling after updates.)

Installing EmuDeck in Desktop Mode

• Switch to Desktop Mode (Power menu).
• Download EmuDeck using a browser (Chrome or Firefox).
• Choose your SteamOS version and run the installer.
• Select Custom Install.
• Rename your SD card to "Primary" for easier access.
• Select RetroArch and Steam ROM Manager. (RetroArch supports multiple emulators.)
• Configure CRT Shader (optional).
• Finish the installation.

Transferring Master System ROMs

• Open Dolphin File Manager.
• Navigate to Removable Devices > Primary > Emulation > ROMS > mastersystem.
• Transfer your .sms ROM files (excluding the 'media' file).

Adding Master System Games to the Steam Library

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

Fixing or Uploading Missing Artwork

• Use the "Fix" option in Steam ROM Manager to automatically find artwork.
• Use "Upload" to manually add artwork from your Steam Deck's Pictures folder.

Uploading Missing Artwork

• Locate and save artwork to the Pictures folder.
• Use the "Upload" option in Steam ROM Manager.
• Select the image and save.

Playing Master System Games on the Steam Deck

• In Gaming Mode, access the Steam Library.
• Find your Sega Master System collection.
• Select a game and play.

Improving Performance

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

Installing Decky Loader for the Steam Deck

• Switch to Desktop Mode.
• Download Decky Loader from GitHub.
• Run the installer and choose Recommended Install.
• Restart in Gaming Mode.

Installing Power Tools

• Access QAM, then the Decky Loader plugin icon.
• Open the Decky Store.
• Install Power Tools.

Power Tools Settings for Emulated Games

• Launch a game.
• Access QAM, Decky Loader, and Power Tools.
• Disable SMTs.
• Set Threads to 4.
• Access the Performance menu (battery icon).
• Enable Advanced View.
• Enable Manual GPU Clock Control.
• Set GPU Clock Frequency to 1200.
• Save per-game profiles.

Fixing Decky Loader After a Steam Deck Update

• Switch to Desktop Mode.
• Re-download Decky Loader from GitHub.
• Select "Execute."
• Enter your pseudo password (or create one).
• Restart in Gaming Mode.