Using the Game Bar Features on the 2026 Samsung Smart TV

Last Update date : Sep 29. 2026

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The Game Bar lets you quickly adjust key gaming settings without leaving the game screen. In 2026, the Game Bar introduces new AI-based features such as AI Gaming Optimiser* and AI Virtual Aim Point, which help optimise gameplay settings and improve aiming support in compatible games. 

Notes:

  • Game Bar is supported on M70H or above models and U9000H.
  • Super Ultrawide Game View (21:9; 32:9), is available for certain PC and console games supporting ultrawide screens.
  • Screen resolution change from external device may be required.
  • Some game titles may not support this feature.
  • Game Bar’s Zoom-in mode is not supported in some refresh rate.
  • Game Bar UI is subject to change without prior notice.

*Feature availability varies according to console and PC games. Experience and performance may vary according to several factors including type of content, graphics processing unit, network connection speed and format

The Game Bar helps you manage gaming settings and performance information in one place. 

  • New for 2026, it introduces advanced AI-powered features such as AI Gaming Optimiser and AI Virtual Aim Point, which automatically analyse gameplay and enhance picture, motion, and aiming visibility.
  • Control supported Game Bar features using voice commands through Bixby, for example, “Hi Bixby, turn on AI Gaming Optimiser.”
  • Open the Game Bar by pressing and holding the Play/Pause button on the Samsung remote when Game Mode is set to On or Auto.
Game Bar interface displayed with Play/Pause button on the remote control highlighted.
  • View real-time performance details, including input lag, resolution, frame rate (FPS), HDR status, and VRR values.
  • Access commonly used gaming tools and settings quickly without leaving the game screen.

Note: Voice commands recognise English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Italian, and Korean, but not all accents, dialects, and expressions are recognised.

Key features include:

Displaying a first-person shooter game with the Game Bar overlay showing numbered menus such as AI Gaming Option, Game Genre, Game Motion Plus, Virtual Aim Point, Screen Ratio, Minimap Zoom, More settings, and Help Guide, along with the current status display.
1 AI Gaming Optimiser
AI Gaming Optimiser is a new feature that centrally controls AI Auto Game Mode, AI Virtual Aim Point, and Game Motion Plus. It automatically applies optimal picture and motion settings to help improve responsiveness and visibility.

Note: AI Gaming Optimiser is supported on game consoles only, and the icon appears dimmed when the feature is not supported.

2 Game Genre

Adjust picture and sound settings by game type or select Auto to enable AI Auto Game Mode. This feature identifies the game title and automatically applies optimal audio-visual settings.

Notes: 

  • AI Auto Game Mode is supported on game consoles and PCs only.
  • When AI Gaming Optimiser is set to On, the setting appears as Auto and the icon appears dimmed.
  • Auto is not displayed in the Game Genre options if the device does not support the AI Auto Game Mode.

 

3 Game Motion Plus

Help enhance motion smoothness and reduce input lag to optimise fast-moving games, such as role-playing and adventure titles.

Notes: 

  • Game Motion Plus is supported on game consoles only. The icon appears dimmed when the feature is not supported.
  • When AI Gaming Optimiser is turned on in game consoles, the Game Motion Plus icon appears dimmed.
  • If VRR is turned on, Game Motion Plus is disabled.
4 Virtual Aim Point

Add a visible aiming reticle at the centre of the screen to improve precision during gameplay.

When AI Gaming Optimiser is turned on, the TV automatically detects FPS games and turns the feature on or off as needed.

Enable or disable Auto Hide to control when the aim point is displayed during gameplay. When Auto Hide is enabled, the aim point appears only when it is needed and remains hidden at other times to reduce on-screen distractions.

Notes:

  • When Auto Hide is turned On, the aim point appears automatically when needed and remains hidden otherwise.
  • Auto Hide is supported on game consoles only.
5 Screen Ratio

Switch between supported screen ratios to match your gaming setup.

6 Minimap Zoom

Adjust the position and size of the minimap on screen. 

When Minimap Zoom is enabled, it automatically analyses the game screen and automatically detects the minimap’s fixed location, allowing the TV to zoom in without manual adjustment.

To activate the Minimap Auto Detection, open Game Bar, select More Settings, and set Minimap Auto Detection to On.

7 More Settings

Open More Settings for additional configuration options for the Game Mode. 

8 Help Guide

Access descriptions and usage guidance for each available Game Bar option.

9 Current status display
  • Input Lag: Indicates real-time input responsiveness.
  • Resolution: Shows the current game resolution.
  • FPS: Displays live frame rate; dynamic if VRR is enabled.
  • HDR: Appears as ON when HDR content is active.
  • VRR: Shows VRR or FreeSync value when in use.

Virtual Aim Point helps with precision in first-person shooter games.

Step 1. Press and hold the Play/Pause button on the remote to open the Game Bar.

Step 2. Select Virtual Aim Point to activate it.

Game Bar with Virtual Aim Point activated, with an aim point displayed at the center of the screen.

Step 3. Configure reticle settings

  • Choose a reticle colour.
  • Turn Auto Hide on or off. The Auto Hide feature is supported on game consoles only.
  • Configure Edit Position. The Edit Position is turned off by default. 

Note: When AI Gaming Optimiser is turned on, Virtual Aim Point is enhanced with AI-based detection. The TV automatically identifies supported first-person shooter games and adjusts reticle visibility and colour based on on-screen conditions.

The Game Bar allows certain PCs with certain games to enjoy an expanded field of view using Ultrawide GameView. 

A motion image showcasing 3 different ratio screens.

How to enable Ultrawide GameView

Step 1. Press and hold the Play/Pause button on the remote to open the Game Bar.

Game Bar with Screen Ratio selected.

Step 2. Change the Screen Ratio to 21:9 or 32:9.

Step 3. Set the PC’s resolution to the appropriate value. This only needs to be done once when switching to a 21:9 or 32:9 screen ratio for the first time:

PC resolution:

•21:9: 2560×1080 or 3840×1600 (60 Hz / 120 Hz / 144 Hz).

•32:9: 3840×1080 (60 Hz / 120 Hz / 144 Hz).

Display setting page displayed on the screen with Display Resolution 1920 x 1080 highlighted. Display setting page displayed on the screen with Display Resolution 1920 x 1080 highlighted.

Step 4. Launch a game that supports Ultrawide resolution.

Notes:

  • 120 Hz support may vary by model.
  • 144 Hz is supported on the following 2026 models: QN990H, R95H, R85H, R80H, QN80H, M80H, and U9000H.
  • The 32:9 screen ratio is supported only in PC games that support Ultrawide resolution.

How to adjust the screen position when using Ultrawide GameView

To move the screen position to the top, centre, or bottom while using Ultrawide GameView, press the Channel Up or Down button on the remote.

Up/down button is highlighted on the remote control for screen position adjustments.

Troubleshoot screen aspect ratio issues

If Ultrawide GameView does not display correctly, review the following:

  • Confirm that the game supports 21:9 or 32:9 resolution.
  • Set the PC resolution to 21:9 (3840 × 1600 or 2560 × 1080) or 32:9 (3840 × 1080).
  • Exit the game, enable Ultrawide GameView in the Game Bar, and relaunch the game.

Notes:

  • The screen ratio cannot be changed while a game is running.
  • Some games require manual screen ratio adjustments within in-game settings.
  • Use the Channel Up/Down buttons to reposition the screen.

Minimap Zoom enlarges and repositions the in-game Minimap for easier navigation.

A minimap zoom feature displayed on a TV.

Supported resolutions:

16:9: 3840 × 2160 (60 Hz / 120 Hz)

21:9: 3840 × 1600, 2560 × 1080 (60 Hz / 120 Hz)

32:9: 3840 × 1080 (60 Hz / 120 Hz)

Notes:

  • The refresh rate may vary by model.
  • Minimap Zoom in 21:9 and 32:9 is only supported when a PC is connected to the Samsung Smart TV and used as a signal source.
  • Some models support Minimap Zoom only when the screen ratio is set to 21:9 or 32:9.

Follow the steps below to use the Minimap Zoom:

Step 1. Open the Game Bar using the Play/Pause button on the remote control.

Step 2. Select Minimap Zoom and choose a location:

  • Left or right for 16:9
  • Top or bottom for 21:9 or 32:9

Step 3. Reposition the Minimap Zoom using the 4-way directional button on the remote. The Minimap Auto Detection feature also analyses the game screen and automatically zooms in on the Minimap’s location.

Using the 4-way directional button on the remote to move the Minimap Zoom position on a TV.

Step 4. Press Select to resize the zoom area.

Using the Select button on the remote to choose the size of the Minimap Zoom area on a TV.

Note: Screenshots may vary depending on your TV model and software version.

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