Amazon_Luna
Amazon Luna
Cloud gaming and streaming service
Amazon Luna is a cloud gaming platform developed and operated by Amazon.[1][2][3] Available only in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, 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) | Web app (on Windows PC, Mac, Chromebook, iPhone, iPad, Android) Custom app (on Fire TV, Fire Tablets, Samsung SmartTV, LG TV) |
| Status | Active |
| Members | Only available to subscribers within certain territories and countries. |
| Pricing model | $9.99 per month or included with Amazon Prime |
| Website | amazon |
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 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.[6]
Luna competes with other cloud gaming platforms like Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation Plus cloud streaming, and GeForce Now.
Luna uses the Windows Server operating system and Nvidia T4 (Tesla 4) graphics cards from Amazon Web Services for streaming games.[7]
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, 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 clicking the "Play on Luna" button.[9]
Controllers
| 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.[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) included the home button (which represents 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) | — |
|
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]
Luna is currently only available to subscribers within the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, France, Italy, and Spain, with further international release yet to be confirmed.
| Country | Launch date | Domain name | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | March 1, 2022 | luna.amazon.com | |
| United Kingdom | March 22, 2023 | luna.amazon.co.uk | |
| Germany | March 22, 2023 | luna.amazon.de | |
| Canada | March 22, 2023 | luna.amazon.ca | |
| France | November 15, 2023 | luna.amazon.fr | |
| Italy | November 15, 2023 | luna.amazon.it | |
| Spain | November 15, 2023 | luna.amazon.es | |
| 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. |
- 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.
- 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.
- Orland, Kyle (September 25, 2020). "Amazon Luna servers will run Windows games directly on Nvidia T4 GPUs". Ars Technica. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
- Henderson, Rik (September 25, 2020). "Amazon Luna pricing, availability, games list, devices and all you need to know". Pocket-lint. Retrieved April 9, 2023.
- Humphries, Mattew (February 22, 2022). "Amazon Adds 'Play on Luna' Button to Twitch Streams". PCMAG. Retrieved April 9, 2023.
- "Amazon Luna: Which Controllers Can You Use?". Game Rant. March 10, 2022. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
- "What are the Buttons on the Amazon Luna Controller? - Amazon Customer Service". Amazon. Retrieved April 9, 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.
