The Xbox Game Bar is one of Windows' most powerful gaming features, allowing you to capture screenshots, record gameplay, monitor performance, and access various gaming tools without leaving your game.
For ROG Ally users, properly configuring the Game Bar can significantly enhance your handheld gaming experience.
Whether you own the original ROG Ally Z1 or the newer ROG Ally X, this comprehensive guide will walk you through enabling, disabling, and customizing the Xbox Game Bar to suit your gaming needs.
Heres a video tutorial as well.
What is Xbox Game Bar and Why It Matters for ROG Ally
Xbox Game Bar is Microsoft's built-in gaming overlay that provides quick access to essential gaming features. On handheld devices like the ROG Ally, it becomes even more valuable as it eliminates the need to exit games for basic functions like screenshot capture, performance monitoring, or quick settings adjustments.
The Game Bar integrates seamlessly with your ROG Ally's hardware, working perfectly alongside other optimization tools you might be using, such as Lossless Scaling for improved frame rates or AMD RIS for enhanced image quality.
Enabling and Disabling Xbox Game Bar
Method 1: Through Windows Settings
- Access Windows Settings: Click on the search bar in the bottom left corner of your ROG Ally's screen and type "Settings" or directly click on the Settings app if it appears.
- Navigate to Gaming Settings: Once in Settings, scroll down and select "Gaming" from the left sidebar menu.
- Configure Game Bar Options: At the top of the Gaming settings, you'll see "Game Bar" as the first option. Here you can:
- Toggle "Enable Xbox Game Bar for things like recording game clips, chatting with friends, and receiving game invites"
- Enable or disable "Allow your controller to open Game Bar"
Method 2: Quick Toggle via Game Bar Shortcut
You can also quickly access Game Bar settings by pressing Windows Key + G to open the overlay, then clicking on the settings gear icon within the Game Bar interface.
Creating Custom Key Bindings with Armory Crate
One of the ROG Ally's standout features is its customizable controls through Armory Crate. Here's how to set up a custom Game Bar shortcut:
Setting Up Secondary Functions
- Open Armory Crate: Launch the ROG Ally Armory Crate software from your desktop or Start menu.
- Access Control Settings: Navigate to the Settings tab and look for "Control Mode." Click on "Configure."
- Choose Your Mode: Select either Desktop Mode or Gamepad Mode depending on your primary usage. For most users, Desktop Mode is recommended for Game Bar shortcuts.
- Configure Button Mapping:
- Select the button you want to customize (Menu button works well for this purpose)
- Click "Edit" next to the secondary function slot
- Navigate to "Action" and select "Xbox button" from the far-right column
- Save Your Configuration: Apply the changes and exit the configuration menu.
Using Your Custom Game Bar Shortcut
Once configured, you can access the Xbox Game Bar by:
- Holding down either back paddle button
- Pressing your configured button (Menu button in our example)
- The Game Bar overlay will appear, ready for use
This custom binding is particularly useful when you're deep in a gaming session and need quick access to Game Bar features without interrupting your gameplay flow.
Troubleshooting Common Game Bar Issues
Game Bar Won't Open
If your Game Bar isn't responding to shortcuts:
- Verify that Game Bar is enabled in Windows Settings
- Check if your game is running in true fullscreen mode (try borderless windowed instead)
- Update your AMD graphics drivers to ensure compatibility
- Consider updating your ROG Ally BIOS if issues persist
Performance Impact Concerns
If you notice performance drops when using Game Bar:
- Disable unnecessary widgets and overlays
- Use CPU boost optimization techniques
- Consider using Lossless Scaling to maintain frame rates while recording