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Luna competes with other cloud gaming platforms like [[Xbox Cloud Gaming]], [[PlayStation Plus]] cloud streaming, and [[GeForce Now]].
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 AWS for streaming games. <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/25/21455610/amazon-luna-game-streaming-windows-nvidia-gpu-servers|title=Amazon Luna servers will run Windows games directly on Nvidia T4 GPUs|date=September 25, 2020|access-date=June 24, 2023|author=Orland, Kyle|publisher=[[Ars Technica]]}}</ref>
Luna uses the [[Windows Server]] operating system and Nvidia T4 (Tesla 4) graphics cards from [[Amazon Web Services]] for streaming games. <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/25/21455610/amazon-luna-game-streaming-windows-nvidia-gpu-servers|title=Amazon Luna servers will run Windows games directly on Nvidia T4 GPUs|date=September 25, 2020|access-date=June 24, 2023|author=Orland, Kyle|publisher=[[Ars Technica]]}}</ref>


== Features ==
== Features ==

Revision as of 03:24, 15 January 2024

Amazon Luna
DeveloperAmazon
TypeCloud gaming service
Launch date
  • March 1, 2022 (U.S.)
  • March 22, 2023 (Canada, UK and Germany)
  • November 15, 2023 (France, Italy and Spain)
Operating system(s)

Web app (on Windows PC, Mac, Chromebook, iPhone, iPad, Android)

Custom app (on Fire TV, Fire Tablets, Samsung SmartTV, LG TV)

StatusActive
MembersOnly available to subscribers within certain territories and countries.
Pricing model$9.99 per month or included with Amazon Prime
Websiteamazon.com/luna

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.

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 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]

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, 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

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.[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 Notes[13]
Mouse and keyboard USB, Bluetooth
  • In Luna Couch sessions, guests have to ask the host to manually enable keyboard support for local co-op games.
Third-party controllers
(e.g Logitech Gamepad F310, F710) 		USB, Bluetooth
  • Both DirectInput and XInput controller APIs are supported. Controllers in XInput mode are treated as Xbox controllers.
  • Possible issues might occur, such as a controller not responding to inputs. This usually can be resolved by re-plugging the USB connection, toggling the DirectInput / XInput switch on the controller to refresh the connection, or quitting/re-joining a game session.
  • USB connections can also be used on Android devices by plugging in a USB OTG (Micro-USB/USB-C to USB-A) adapter on an Android phone/tablet.
Xbox One Controller USB, Bluetooth
  • USB connections can also be used on Android devices by plugging in a USB OTG (Micro-USB/USB-C to USB-A) adapter on an Android phone/tablet.
PlayStation 4 controller (DualShock 4) USB, Bluetooth
  • USB connections can also be used on Android devices by plugging in a USB OTG (Micro-USB/USB-C to USB-A) adapter on an Android phone/tablet.
Luna Controller USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (Cloud Direct)
  • The Cloud Direct option connects a Luna Controller directly to Amazon's custom game servers, reducing latency.
  • The Luna controller operates in DirectInput mode by default. XInput mode can be activated by installing the hardware drivers.[14]
  • Using Bluetooth with a Luna controller on Windows requires installation of hardware drivers.[15]
  • USB connections can also be used on Android devices with a USB-C to USB-C cable.
Phone touchscreen as virtual controller Wi-Fi (Cloud Direct)
  • The Luna Controller mobile app allows a phone's touchscreen to be used as a virtual controller for operating Luna on another computer or smart TV.[16]

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

Availability of Amazon Luna as of November 2023:
  Available
  Unavailable

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.

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. ^ Orland, Kyle (September 25, 2020). "Amazon Luna servers will run Windows games directly on Nvidia T4 GPUs". Ars Technica. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  8. ^ Henderson, Rik (September 25, 2020). "Amazon Luna pricing, availability, games list, devices and all you need to know". Pocket-lint. Retrieved April 9, 2023.
  9. ^ Humphries, Mattew (February 22, 2022). "Amazon Adds 'Play on Luna' Button to Twitch Streams". PCMAG. Retrieved April 9, 2023.
  10. ^ "Amazon Luna: Which Controllers Can You Use?". Game Rant. March 10, 2022. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
  11. ^ "What are the Buttons on the Amazon Luna Controller? - Amazon Customer Service". Amazon. Retrieved April 9, 2023.
  12. ^ "Amazon Luna Controller Review". PCMAG.
  13. ^ "Controllers Compatible with Amazon Luna - Amazon Customer Service".
  14. ^ "Controller:Amazon Luna Controller - PCGamingWiki PCGW".
  15. ^ "Connection Options for Amazon Luna Controller - Amazon Customer Service".
  16. ^ "Set Up a Luna Phone Controller - Amazon Customer Service".
  17. ^ Andronico, Michael (January 17, 2022). "Amazon Luna review: A good, cheap way to game without a console". CNN Underscored. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
  18. ^ "Amazon Luna Review: A Comfortable Controller & Good Cloud Service". ScreenRant. March 16, 2022. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
  19. ^ "Amazon Luna Guide: What Is It & How Luna Works".
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