Amazon Luna is a cloud gaming platform developed and operated by Amazon.[1][2][3] The platform has integration with Twitch and is available on Windows, Mac, Amazon Fire TV, iOS (as a progressive web app) as well as Android. Games and channels from brands such as Ubisoft+ and Jackbox Games are accessed via the Luna+ paid subscription.
 | |
| Developer | Amazon |
|---|---|
| Type | Cloud gaming service |
| Launch date | |
| Operating system(s) | Fire TV, Fire tablets, Samsung Smart TV, LG TV. Windows PC, Mac, Chromebook, iPhone, iPad, Android (as a web app) |
| Status | Active |
| Pricing model | Monthly subscription |
| Website | amazon |
Luna uses the Windows Server operating system and Nvidia Tesla T4 graphics cards from Amazon Web Services for streaming games,[4] and is available in the United States, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Luna's competitors include other cloud gaming platforms like Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation Plus cloud streaming, and GeForce Now.
History
editLuna had a soft launch with early access to invited subscribers only on October 20, 2020.[5] In its early access state, Amazon Luna featured about 100 different games combined[6] with an introductory price of $5.99 a month. Luna subscribers have access to Ubisoft and Epic Games titles the same day they release through their respective channels. The Ubisoft+ channel costs an additional $14.99 per month. The Epic Games titles, such as Fortnite are free, but require purchasing a copy of a game.[7]
Features
editGames
editLuna has a library of over 100 games that can be accessed with the purchase of a subscription.[8]
Controllers
edit| Manufacturer | Amazon |
|---|---|
| Type | Video game controller |
| Release date | March 1, 2022 |
| Input |
|
Luna supports control through keyboard and mouse, the Xbox Wireless Controller, Xbox Elite Wireless Controller, Xbox Adaptive Controller and the DualShock 4 and DualSense controllers.[9]
The Luna Controller is an optional accessory at the additional cost of $59.99. The controller has 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), and the home button (represented by the Luna symbol). The color of the controller is black.[10] A microphone is built in, which supports Amazon Alexa. The controller can connect through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or a USB-C cable.[11]
USB connections can be used on Windows, Mac, Android, and Chromebook. iOS devices do not support USB OTG, and can only connect to game controllers over Bluetooth.
| Supported controllers | Connection method | Controller input API | Notes[12] |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mouse and keyboard | USB, Bluetooth | — |
|
| Third-party controllers (e.g Logitech Gamepad F310, F710 or SteelSeries Stratus+, Stratus Duo) |
USB, Bluetooth | DirectInput XInput |
|
| Xbox Wireless Controller (for Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S) | USB, Bluetooth | XInput |
|
| PlayStation 4 controller (DualShock 4) | USB, Bluetooth | DirectInput | |
| PlayStation 5 controller (DualSense) | USB, Bluetooth | DirectInput | |
| Luna Controller | USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (Cloud Direct) | DirectInput (default) XInput (with optional driver installation) |
|
| Phone touchscreen as virtual controller | Wi-Fi (Cloud Direct) | — |
|
Reception
editIn 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.[16] A review from Screen Rant criticized the channel setup, arguing that those who want the full experience will end up paying more than for 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.[17]
Availability
edit
Luna is currently only available to subscribers within the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, France, Italy, Spain, Austria, Poland, and The Netherlands, with further international release unconfirmed. Guests who do not have a subscription are able to join Luna Couch sessions hosted by subscribers to play local co-op games.
| Country | Launch date | Domain name |
|---|---|---|
| United States | March 1, 2022 | luna.amazon.com |
| Canada | March 22, 2023 | luna.amazon.ca |
| Germany | March 22, 2023 | luna.amazon.de |
| United Kingdom | March 22, 2023 | luna.amazon.co.uk |
| France | November 15, 2023 | luna.amazon.fr |
| Italy | November 15, 2023 | luna.amazon.it |
| Spain | November 15, 2023 | luna.amazon.es |
| Austria | June 20, 2024 | luna.amazon.de |
| Poland | June 20, 2024 | luna.amazon.pl |
| The Netherlands | June 20, 2024 | luna.amazon.nl |
References
edit- ^ Webster, Andrew (September 24, 2020). "Amazon announces new cloud gaming service called Luna". The Verge. Retrieved September 24, 2020.
- ^ "Amazon's Luna cloud gaming service arrives next month". Engadget. Retrieved September 24, 2020.
- ^ Blumenthal, Eli. "Amazon Luna takes on Microsoft's xCloud, Google's Stadia in cloud gaming battle". CNET. Retrieved September 24, 2020.
- ^ Orland, Kyle (September 25, 2020). "Amazon Luna servers will run Windows games directly on Nvidia T4 GPUs". Ars Technica. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
- ^ Franzese, Tomas (September 25, 2020). "Everything You Need To Know About Amazon Luna, A New Cloud-Gaming Contender". Inverse. Retrieved December 3, 2020.
- ^ "A closer look at Luna, Amazon's cloud gaming service". Engadget. Retrieved September 24, 2020.
- ^ Winslow, Jeremy (September 24, 2020). "Amazon Partners With Ubisoft On A Luna Game-Streaming Channel". GameSpot. Retrieved September 24, 2020.
- ^ Henderson, Rik (September 25, 2020). "Amazon Luna pricing, availability, games list, devices and all you need to know". Pocket-lint. Retrieved April 9, 2023.
- ^ "Amazon Luna: Which Controllers Can You Use?". Game Rant. March 10, 2022. Archived from the original on March 10, 2022. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
- ^ "What are the Buttons on the Amazon Luna Controller? - Amazon Customer Service". Amazon. Retrieved April 9, 2023.
- ^ Greenwald, Will (November 23, 2020). "Amazon Luna Controller Review: A great gamepad that enhances the Amazon Luna game service". PCMag. Archived from the original on November 25, 2020. Retrieved September 24, 2021.
- ^ "Controllers Compatible with Amazon Luna". Amazon. Archived from the original on December 6, 2020. Retrieved October 8, 2023.
- ^ "Controller:Amazon Luna Controller". PCGamingWiki. September 27, 2020. Use with PC platforms. Archived from the original on December 10, 2023. Retrieved December 10, 2023.
- ^ "Connection Options for Amazon Luna Controller". Amazon. Archived from the original on August 21, 2021. Retrieved October 8, 2023.
- ^ "Set Up a Luna Phone Controller". Amazon. Archived from the original on December 10, 2024. Retrieved October 8, 2023.
- ^ Andronico, Michael (January 17, 2022). "Amazon Luna review: A good, cheap way to game without a console". CNN Underscored. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
- ^ "Amazon Luna Review: A Comfortable Controller & Good Cloud Service". ScreenRant. March 16, 2022. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
