Amazon Luna is a cloud gaming platform developed and operated by Amazon.[1][2][3] The 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.
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] Available in the United States, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom, Luna competes with other cloud gaming platforms like Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation Plus cloud streaming, and GeForce Now.
History
Luna 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. Amazon partnered with Ubisoft and Epic Games to create a gaming channel exclusive to Luna, giving Luna subscribers access to Ubisoft and Epic Games titles the same day they release. 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
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 by purchasing a subscription.[8]
Luna is powered by Amazon Web Services, providing gamers with a low-latency, cloud gaming experience with minimal buffering. Twitch users can use their Amazon Luna to stream their gameplay by clicking the "Play on Luna" button.[9]
Controllers
Manufacturer | Amazon |
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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.[10]
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), and the home button (represented by the Luna symbol).[11] A microphone is built in, allowing support for Amazon Alexa. The controller can connect through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or a USB-C cable.[12]
USB connections can be used on Windows, Mac, Android, and Chromebook. iOS devices do not support USB OTG currently, and can only connect to game controllers over Bluetooth.
Users can check if their controllers are working properly before starting a game, by testing basic confirm/cancel & navigation functionality on the Luna main website (e.g the Settings page).
Supported Controllers | Connection Method | Controller Input API | Notes[13] |
---|---|---|---|
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
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.[17] 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.[18]
Availability
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 yet to be confirmed.
Country | Launch date | Domain name | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
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 | |
Other countries | TBA | TBA | Guests who do not have a subscription are able to join Luna Couch sessions hosted by subscribers to play local co-op games. |
Subscription Tier | Notes[19] |
---|---|
Prime Gaming | No additional charge with an existing Amazon Prime subscription in supported countries. Lets users trial the service with a small selection of 6-7 games, which changes each month. |
Luna+ | Paid subscription tier that offers access to the standard game catalogue. |
Family Channel | Paid subscription tier that offers a selection of family-friendly games, rated E or E10+. |
Retro Channel | Paid subscription tier that offers a selection of retro or retro-styled games. |
Jackbox Games | Paid subscription tier that offers access to party games by Jackbox Games. |
Ubisoft+ | Paid subscription tier that offers access to games by Ubisoft. |