Enjoy the new Game Bar features on your 2023 Samsung Smart TV

Last Update date : Apr 04. 2023
Person playing a racing game while using the Game Bar features on a 2023 Samsung Smart TV

When playing a video game, taking down an enemy requires speed and excellent visibility. Inconveniences like lag or a limited range of sight can make all the difference in the heat of battle. Luckily, the Game Bar on 2023 Samsung Smart TVs provides an array of tools to make the most out of your games. For example, it will display the current refresh rate and whether or not there’s high input lag. It also lets you change the aspect ratio of the screen, so you can see details that you normally wouldn’t see.

The Game Bar displayed on a 2023 Samsung Smart TV, with a Samsung Smart Remote next to it

2023 Samsung Smart TVs include a Game Bar that displays all the information necessary for optimal gaming performance, such as input lag, resolution, FPS (frames per second), HDR (High Dynamic Range), and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), and also provides quick access to gaming features, options, and preferences. When Game Mode is set to ON or AUTO, press and hold the Play/Pause button on the Samsung Smart remote to open the Game Bar.

The different settings and options on the Game Bar
1 Game Picture Mode: Specify the Game Picture Mode according to the game genre. To customize picture quality, select Custom.
2 Screen Ratio: Change the aspect screen ratio.
3 Minimap Zoom: Change the location and size of the Minimap.
4 Game Motion Plus: Enhance motion smoothness and input lag to optimize fast moving games, such as RPG and adventure games.
  • If Game Motion Plus is turned on, then VRR will be disabled.

  • If VRR is turned on, then Game Motion Plus will be disabled.
5 Game Mode Settings: Open the Game Mode Settings menu.
6 Virtual Aim Point: Show a virtual aim point in the center of the screen.
7 Sound output: Change the sound output device. (TV Speaker, soundbar, Bluetooth headset, etc.).
8 Help Guide: View details and instructions about how to use each menu item.
9 Current status display
  • Input Lag: Shows the Input Lag status for playing games.

  • Resolution: Shows the resolution of the game source.

  • FPS: Shows the number of frames per second in real time. If VRR is active, the frame rate will change.

  • HDR: Shown as ON when an HDR game is running.

  • VRR: Shows the corresponding value when FreeSync or VRR is active.
Samsung PC displaying Ultrawide GameView during a game

Follow the instructions below to use Ultrawide GameView on your PC:

1 Hold the Play/Pause button to launch the Game Bar.
2 Change the Screen Aspect Ratio of the Game Bar screen to 21:9 or 32:9.
The Game Bar displaying a pop-up notification reflecting a Screen Ratio change during a game
3 The first time you change to a 21:9 or 32:9 Screen Aspect Ratio, you should set the PC’s display resolution.
  • 21:9: Set the PC's resolution to 2560 x 1080 or 3840 x 1600 (60 Hz/120 Hz */144 Hz **).

  • 32:9: Set the PC's resolution to 3840 x 1080 (60 Hz/120 Hz */144 Hz **).
Display menu opened on a PC

No further settings change will be required when using a 21:9 or 32:9 Screen Aspect Ratio in the future.

Notes:

(*) 120 Hz may not be supported depending on the model.

(**) 144 Hz supported models: QN900C, QN95C, S95C, S90C, and QN90C (50-inch and smaller models).

32:9 screen ratio is only supported on PC games that support Ultrawide resolution.

4 Launch a game that supports Ultrawide resolution.
A game displayed with a Samsung Smart Remote next to it, with the Volume buttons being pressed

Gamers can move the screen position up or down to match their eye level by using the channel up and down buttons on the Samsung Smart remote.

If you experience any problems when setting up Ultrawide GameView, follow these steps:

1 Make sure the game supports Ultrawide resolution (21:9 or 32:9).
2 Set the PC’s screen resolution to 21:9 (3840 x 1600 or 2560 x 1080 ) or to 32:9 (3840 x 1080).

Note: After setting the PC’s resolution the first time, you can then set up Ultrawide GameView directly from the Game Bar.

3 If the game screen and sound are not normal, exit the game. Then, set up Ultrawide GameView, and launch the game again.

Notes:

  • Changing the screen ratio is not supported during game play.

  • For some games, you may need to match the game resolution with the screen ratio for Ultrawide Game View. (Select Game settings, and then select Screen ratio.)

  • To change the screen position, press the Channel Up or Channel Down button.
The Minimap Zoom function displayed during a game

Access to the in-game Minimap can be crucial for gamers. With the Minimap Zoom function, you can zoom in on a location. You will find below the resolutions supporting the Minimap Zoom function:

  • 16:9 Screen Aspect Ratio supported resolutions for Minimap Zoom: 3840 x 2160 (60 Hz/120 Hz)

  • 21:9 Screen Aspect Ratio supported resolutions for Minimap Zoom: 3840 x 2160 (60 Hz/120 Hz) and 2560 x 1080 (60 Hz/120 Hz)

  • 32:9 Screen Aspect Ratio supported resolutions for Minimap Zoom: 3840 x 1080 (60 Hz/120 Hz)

Notes:

1 To use the Minimap Zoom function, first press and hold the Play/Pause button to launch the Game Bar.
2 Select Minimap Zoom and select your desired option:
  • Left or right with a 16:9 screen aspect ratio

  • Top or bottom with a 21:9 or 32:9 screen aspect ratio
3 You can move the Minimap Zoom position using the 4-way directional button on the remote.
The Minimap Zoom function displayed during a game with a Samsung Smart Remote next to, with the 4-way directional buttons being pressed
4 You can also select the size of the Minimap Zoom area by pressing the Select button on the remote.
The Minimap Zoom function displayed during a game with a Samsung Smart Remote next to, with the Select button being pressed
The Virtual Aim Point feature displayed during a game

The Virtual Aim Point feature is designed for first person shooter games. It will give players the ability to view crosshairs so they can pull off the perfect shot.

1 Press and hold the Play/Pause button to launch the Game Bar.
2 Select Virtual Aim Point to turn it on. You can select Red, Blue, or White for the color if desired.
Selecting the color of the Virtual Aim Point, with options for Off, Red, Blue, or White
3 If you want to adjust the Virtual Aim Point position, you can use the Edit Position menu.

Thank you for your feedback!

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