Amazon Luna

Amazon Luna is a cloud gaming platform developed and operated by Amazon.[1][2][3] Available only in the US, UK, Canada and Germany, this platform is powered by Amazon Web Services, has integration with Twitch, and is available on Windows, Mac, Amazon Fire TV, iOS (as a progressive web app) as well as Android. Luna offers access to a selection of games via the Luna+ subscription as well as to channels from brands such as Ubisoft+ and Jackbox Games.

Amazon Luna
DeveloperAmazon
TypeCloud gaming service
Launch date
  • March 1, 2022 (U.S.)
  • March 22, 2023 (Canada, UK and Germany)
Operating system(s)Cross-platform
StatusActive
MembersOnly available to subscribers within certain territories and countries.
Pricing model$9.99 per month or included with Amazon Prime
Websiteamazon.com/luna

Luna had a soft launch with early access to invited subscribers only on October 20, 2020.[4] In its early access state, Amazon Luna featured about 100 different games combined,[5] with an introductory price of $5.99 a month.

Amazon has partnered with Ubisoft and Epic Games to create a gaming channel exclusive to Luna, giving Luna subscribers access to Ubisoft's and Epic Games titles the same day they release. The Ubisoft+ channel costs an additional $14.99 per month. The Epic Games titles like Fortnite are free, but requires purchasing a copy of a game.[6]

Luna is currently only available to subscribers within the United States, United Kingdom, Germany and Canada with further international release yet to be confirmed. It competes with other cloud gaming platforms like Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation Plus cloud streaming, and GeForce Now.

Luna uses T4 (Tesla 4) graphics cards from Amazon AWS for streaming games.

Features

Games

Luna offers gamers the ability to play games on compatible devices with low latency and high-quality graphics. Luna gamers can access a library of over 100 games for free by purchasing a subscription.[7]

Luna is powered by Amazon Web Services, which allows this to be accomplished. Using AWS, Luna can provide gamers with a low-latency, cloud gaming experience with minimal buffering. Twitch users can use their Amazon Luna to stream their gameplay by click the "Play on Luna" button.[8]

Controllers
Luna Controller
ManufacturerAmazon
TypeVideo game controller
Release dateMarch 1, 2022
Input

Luna supports control through keyboard and mouse, the Xbox Wireless Controller, and the DualShock 4 and DualSense controllers.[9]

The Luna Controller is an optional accessory selling for $59.99. It comes in a single color (black) and features dual analog sticks, a D-pad, two sets of shoulder buttons, four main A/B/X/Y face buttons, three other face buttons (Action, Menu, Microphone) included the home button (which represents the luna symbol).[10] A microphone is built in, allowing support for Amazon Alexa. The controller can connect through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or a USB-C cable.[11]

Reception

In a review of Amazon Luna in March 2021, a CNN article praised the service for its lower price compared to Stadia and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and praised its user interface, while criticizing occasional lag issues and its initial game lineup.[12] A review from Screen Rant criticized the channel setup, arguing that those who want the full experience will end up paying more than similar services. The review remarked that the service feels misguided, with an unclear target audience, and considered it too impractical to recommend to consumers. However, it also stated that it may be a good replacement to a console for people who prefer using subscription services.[13]

References
  1. Webster, Andrew (September 24, 2020). "Amazon announces new cloud gaming service called Luna". The Verge. Retrieved September 24, 2020.
  2. "Amazon's Luna cloud gaming service arrives next month". Engadget. Retrieved September 24, 2020.
  3. Blumenthal, Eli. "Amazon Luna takes on Microsoft's xCloud, Google's Stadia in cloud gaming battle". CNET. Retrieved September 24, 2020.
  4. Franzese, Tomas (September 25, 2020). "Everything You Need To Know About Amazon Luna, A New Cloud-Gaming Contender". Inverse. Retrieved December 3, 2020.
  5. "A closer look at Luna, Amazon's cloud gaming service". Engadget. Retrieved September 24, 2020.
  6. Winslow, Jeremy (September 24, 2020). "Amazon Partners With Ubisoft On A Luna Game-Streaming Channel". GameSpot. Retrieved September 24, 2020.
  7. Henderson, Rik (September 25, 2020). "Amazon Luna pricing, availability, games list, devices and all you need to know". Pocket-lint. Retrieved April 9, 2023.
  8. Humphries, Mattew (February 22, 2022). "Amazon Adds 'Play on Luna' Button to Twitch Streams". PCMAG. Retrieved April 9, 2023.
  9. "Amazon Luna: Which Controllers Can You Use?". Game Rant. March 10, 2022. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
  10. "What are the Buttons on the Amazon Luna Controller? - Amazon Customer Service". Amazon. Retrieved April 9, 2023.
  11. "Amazon Luna Controller Review". PCMAG.
  12. Andronico, Michael (January 17, 2022). "Amazon Luna review: A good, cheap way to game without a console". CNN Underscored. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
  13. "Amazon Luna Review: A Comfortable Controller & Good Cloud Service". ScreenRant. March 16, 2022. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
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