How to Enable Game Launcher Tools on Samsung Galaxy

For Samsung Galaxy users, the built-in Game Launcher is far more than just an app folder; it’s a dedicated hub designed to enhance your mobile gaming experience. Within Game Launcher lies a suite of powerful Game Launcher tools, including Game Booster and Game Plugins, that allow you to optimize performance, manage notifications, and even record your gameplay without needing any third-party applications.

If you’re looking to get the most out of your gaming sessions on your Samsung phone, understanding how to enable and effectively use these native tools is essential. This guide will walk you through the process, from activating Game Launcher to customizing its advanced features.

Understanding Samsung’s Gaming Ecosystem: Game Launcher and Its Tools

Before diving into the “how-to,” let’s briefly clarify the core components:

• Game Launcher: This is the central application that collects all your games in one place. It provides a convenient way to access your game library, track playtime, and discover new titles. It also serves as the gateway to more advanced gaming features.
  • Entity: Game Launcher is a pre-installed Samsung application found on Galaxy smartphones and tablets. It acts as a centralized dashboard for all games on the device, offering organizational features, playtime statistics, game discovery, and direct access to performance optimization tools like Game Booster and Game Plugins.
• Game Booster: Integrated within Game Launcher, Game Booster is the primary performance optimization tool. It allows you to adjust game performance settings (e.g., prioritizing FPS or battery life), block interruptions, and monitor device metrics like temperature and memory usage during gameplay.
  • Entity: Game Booster is a core feature within Samsung’s Game Launcher designed to enhance mobile gaming performance. It intelligently optimizes system resources, manages incoming notifications and calls, and provides in-game tools like screen recording, screenshot capture, and touch protection, aiming for a smoother and more focused gaming experience.
• Game Plugins: These are downloadable add-ons for Game Booster, available through the Galaxy Store. They provide even more granular control and specialized features, such as advanced performance monitors (Perf Z), custom graphics settings (Game Booster Plus), and specialized aids like Aim Assist.
  • Entity: Game Plugins are official extensions or modules for Samsung’s Game Booster, accessible and downloadable from the Galaxy Store. They expand the functionality of Game Booster by offering specialized tools for advanced performance monitoring, customized graphical settings, and other in-game utilities to further personalize and enhance the gaming experience.

Step 1: Enable Game Launcher on Your Samsung Galaxy Device

Game Launcher is usually enabled by default on newer Samsung Galaxy devices. However, if you don’t see it in your app drawer, you might need to activate it manually.

1. Open Settings:
   • Swipe down from the top of your screen to open the Notification Panel, then tap the gear icon (Settings) in the top right corner.
   • Alternatively, find and tap the Settings app icon in your app drawer.
2. Navigate to Advanced Features:
   • In the Settings menu, scroll down and tap on Advanced features.
3. Toggle Game Launcher On:
   • Scroll down within the Advanced features menu until you find Game Launcher.
   • Tap the toggle switch next to Game Launcher to turn it On.
   • Once enabled, Game Launcher will appear in your app drawer. All games downloaded from the Google Play Store and Galaxy Store will automatically be added to it.

Step 2: Access and Configure Game Booster

Once Game Launcher is enabled, Game Booster is automatically active when you launch a game through Game Launcher. You can access its settings directly from Game Launcher or during gameplay.

Method A: Accessing Game Booster via Game Launcher

1. Open Game Launcher:
   • Find and open the Game Launcher app from your app drawer.
2. Access Game Booster Settings:
   • In the Game Launcher home screen, you’ll see various sections. Look for the Game Booster icon. This icon usually appears as a shield or a game controller at the bottom left or top right of the screen (its exact position can vary slightly with One UI versions). Tap on it.
   • Alternatively, on some versions, you might need to tap the three horizontal lines (Menu) or three vertical dots (More options), then select Game Booster.
3. Configure Game Optimization:
   • Inside Game Booster settings, look for “Game optimization” or “Performance mode.”
   • You’ll typically have options:
     • Performance: Prioritizes smooth gameplay (higher FPS) at the expense of battery life and potential heat. Recommended for boosting FPS.
     • Standard: A balanced approach.
     • Battery saver: Prioritizes battery life over performance. Avoid for boosting FPS.
   • Select Performance for the best gaming experience.
4. Manage “Block during game” Options:
   • Still within Game Booster settings, tap “Block during game.”
   • This section allows you to prevent interruptions during gameplay:
     • Block during game: Turn this on to block calls, notifications, and navigation gestures.
     • Notifications: Choose to block all, allow only alarms, or allow selected notifications.
     • Calls: Block all or allow specific contacts.
     • Navigation bar/Edge panels: Lock them to prevent accidental touches that could pull you out of the game. This is especially useful for full-screen games.

Method B: Accessing Game Booster During Gameplay

1. Launch a Game:
   • Open any game from your Game Launcher.
2. Access the Game Booster Panel:
   • While in the game, swipe from the bottom edge of the screen (in portrait mode) or from the side (usually the right side in landscape mode) to reveal the Game Booster icon in the navigation bar.
   • Tap the Game Booster icon (often a small controller or shield).
   • Note: If you’re using full-screen gestures instead of a navigation bar, you might need to swipe down from the top to open the notification panel and tap the Game Booster notification there.
3. Quick Access Tools:
   • The in-game Game Booster panel gives you quick access to various tools:
     • Performance Monitor: Shows real-time CPU/GPU usage, temperature, and battery.
     • Touch protection: Temporarily locks the screen to prevent accidental touches (useful if you set your phone down for a moment).
     • Navigation button lock: Locks the navigation bar to prevent accidental exits from the game.
     • Screenshot: Take a screenshot of your gameplay.
     • Record: Start recording your gameplay.
     • Pop-up panel: Access a floating panel of chosen apps (e.g., for quick access to a messaging app without leaving the game entirely).

Step 3: Enhance with Game Plugins

For those who want even more control and specialized features, Game Plugins are a must-explore.

1. Access Game Plugins:
   • Open Game Launcher.
   • Tap the Game Booster icon.
   • Look for and tap the puzzle piece icon (usually labeled “Game Plugins”).
2. Download Game Plugins App:
   • If you haven’t installed it already, tapping the Game Plugins icon will direct you to the Galaxy Store to download the separate Game Plugins app. Install it.
   • Important: Game Plugins is an app that contains other plugins. You need to install the main Game Plugins app first, then select individual plugins within it.
3. Install and Configure Specific Plugins:
   • Open the Game Plugins app (either directly from your app drawer or via the Game Booster menu).
   • You’ll see a list of available plugins. Popular and useful ones include:
     • Game Booster Plus: Allows you to set specific performance profiles (e.g., Max FPS, High Quality, Custom) for individual games. This is incredibly powerful for fine-tuning.
     • Perf Z: Displays real-time performance metrics (FPS, CPU/GPU usage, temperature, etc.) on your screen during gameplay. Essential for monitoring.
     • Daily Limits: Helps you set and track daily gaming time limits.
     • Aim Assist: Provides a small crosshair overlay in games (check game compatibility).
   • Tap “Install” next to the plugin you want, then toggle it On after installation.
   • Some plugins, like Game Booster Plus, require further configuration. Tap on the plugin’s name to open its settings and customize it for each game. For example, in Game Booster Plus, select a game and then choose “Max FPS” for performance.

Additional Game Launcher Tools & Features

Beyond the core Game Booster and Game Plugins, Game Launcher offers other useful functionalities:

• Instant Plays: Enjoy casual games directly within Game Launcher without the need to download or install them.
• Game Discovery: Explore new and trending games.
• My Games: View your game library, statistics on playtime, and achievements.
• Game News & Events: Stay updated with the latest in mobile gaming.
• Gaming Hub (newer devices): On some newer Samsung devices, Game Launcher might be integrated into a broader Gaming Hub, which centralizes even more gaming-related content and features. The core Game Booster and Game Plugins functionalities remain the same.

By enabling and effectively utilizing Samsung’s Game Launcher tools, you gain comprehensive control over your gaming environment. You can optimize performance, prevent distractions, and even enhance your in-game experience, all through the powerful features built directly into your Samsung Galaxy device.

FAQ Section

Q1: Why can’t I find Game Launcher on my Samsung phone?

Game Launcher is usually pre-installed on most modern Samsung Galaxy devices. If you don’t see it in your app drawer, it might be disabled. To enable it, go to Settings > Advanced features > Game Launcher and toggle the switch to On. If your device is very old or a non-Galaxy Android phone, it might not support Game Launcher.

Q2: What is the difference between Game Booster and Game Plugins?

Game Booster is the core, built-in optimization feature accessible through Game Launcher, providing essential tools like performance modes (Performance, Standard, Battery saver), blocking notifications, and in-game shortcuts. Game Plugins are separate, downloadable add-ons for Game Booster (found in the Galaxy Store) that offer more specialized or advanced functionalities, such as detailed FPS monitors (Perf Z) or per-game performance profiles (Game Booster Plus). Think of Game Plugins as extensions that enhance Game Booster’s capabilities.

Q3: Does using Game Launcher drain battery faster?

Using Game Launcher itself doesn’t significantly drain battery. However, activating performance-focused settings within Game Booster (like “Performance” mode or “Max FPS” in Game Booster Plus) will indeed cause your phone to consume more battery and potentially generate more heat. These settings push your device’s hardware harder to achieve higher frames per second.

Q4: Can I use Game Launcher to record my gameplay?

Yes, Game Booster, which is part of Game Launcher’s toolset, allows you to record your gameplay. While in a game, you can usually swipe from the bottom or side of the screen to reveal the in-game Game Booster panel, where you’ll find a “Record” option. You can often adjust the resolution and quality of your recordings within Game Booster’s settings.

Q5: Is Game Launcher available on all Android phones?

No, Game Launcher and its associated tools like Game Booster and Game Plugins are proprietary features developed by Samsung and are exclusive to Samsung Galaxy smartphones and tablets. They are not available on Android phones from other manufacturers.