GoKawiilGoogle Play Games adds notification-based launcher for Sidekick overlay
Google is rolling out a new way to trigger the Sidekick overlay in Play Games, letting users open it directly from the notifications panel instead of relying solely on the onscreen drag handle. The option appears under Settings > General > Google Play Games as 'Configure Sidekick access,' alongside the existing in-game-only setting. Evidence also points to a double-tap activation method still in development.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The onscreen handle for Sidekick has been awkward in fast-paced games like FPS titles, where any extra screen element can interfere with gameplay. A notification-based toggle offers a cleaner, distraction-free way to access achievements, screenshots, and Gemini Live assistance without cluttering the display, signaling Google's continued push to make Play Games' overlay features more practical for serious gamers.
- New 'Open only from notifications' setting removes the onscreen Sidekick handle.
- Feature appears to be rolling out server-side across multiple Play Store versions.
- A double-tap activation method for Sidekick is also under development.
Source: androidauthority.com, 2026-09-18
Published there as: “Google Play Games is giving Sidekick a much-needed activation upgrade”
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