Google Play Games Sidekick Gets a Less Intrusive Activation Option

Google is changing how Android players can access the Play Games Sidekick overlay, adding the ability to launch it directly from the notification panel instead of keeping a permanent draggable handle on the edge of the screen. Sidekick provides quick access to achievements, screenshots, screen recording and Gemini Live assistance while a supported game is running.

The new 'Open only from notifications' setting lets players remove the onscreen handle entirely, which should be particularly useful in games where edge gestures or interface elements compete for the same space. Evidence across multiple Play Store versions suggests the option is being enabled server-side rather than tied to a single app update. Google also appears to be developing another activation method based on double-tapping the Sidekick handle, although that has not yet been announced for release.

The change is modest but addresses one of the central problems with gaming overlays on phones: anything permanently placed over a game risks becoming more annoying than useful. Moving Sidekick into notifications allows Google's gaming services to remain accessible without sacrificing precious screen space, especially on smaller devices.