Amazon Luna
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Amazon Luna is a cloud gaming platform developed and operated by Amazon.[1][2][3] Available only in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Germany, 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, Chromebook, Windows PC, Android, Samsung SmartTV, iPhone, Mac and iPad |
| 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.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 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 Nvidia T4 (Tesla 4) graphics cards from Amazon AWS 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 click 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, 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. 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. Using Bluetooth with a Luna controller on Windows requires installation of hardware drivers.[14] 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.[15] |
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.[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
Luna is currently only available to subscribers within the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and Canada, with further international release yet to be confirmed.
| Country | Launch date | Domain name | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 1 March 2022 | luna.amazon.com | |
| United Kingdom | 22 March 2023 | luna.amazon.co.uk | |
| Germany | 22 March 2023 | luna.amazon.de | |
| Canada | 22 March 2023 | luna.amazon.ca | |
| 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[18] |
|---|---|
| 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. |
Game list
The following is a list of games supported by Amazon Luna: [19]
- 1941 — Counter Attack
- 1944 — The Loop Master
- 19XX — The War Against Destiny
- A Plague Tale: Innocence
- Abzu
- Adventure Time: Pirates of the Enchiridion
- Alien Isolation
- Amnesia: Rebirth
- AO Tennis 2
- Aragami
- Arcade Paradise
- Are you Smarter Than a 5th Grader?
- Assassin's Creed: China
- Assassin's Creed: India
- Assassin's Creed: Russia
- Assassin's Creed Odyssey
- Assassin's Creed Origins
- Assassin's Creed Syndicate
- Assassin's Creed Valhalla
- Assassin's Creed Valhalla: Wrath of the Druids
- Assassin's Creed Valhalla: The Siege of Paris
- Atomik: RunGunJumpGun
- Baseball Stars 2
- Battle Circuit
- Batman: Arkham Knight
- Batora: Lost Haven
- Beach Buggy Racing 2: Hot Wheels Edition
- Bee Simulator
- Beyond Good and Evil 2
- Blair Witch
- Blasphemous
- BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle
- Blazing Chrome
- Bloodrayne 2: Terminal Cut
- Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
- Bridge Constructor: The Walking Dead
- Bridge Constructor Portal
- Brothers: A Tale of Two Son
- Buildings Have Feelings Too!
- Bug Fables: The Everlasting Sapling
- Castlevania Anniversary Edition
- Call of the Sea
- Capcom Arcade Stadium (20 games)
- CAPTAIN COMMANDO
- CARRIER AIR WING
- Carrion
- Chicken Police — Paint it RED!
- Child of Light
- Chrous
- Citizen Sleeper
- Close to the Sun
- Contra Anniversary Collection
- Control
- Control Ultimate Edition
- Cook, Serve, Delicious! 3
- Crazy Worms Golf
- Crosscode
- CYBERBOTS — FULLMETAL MADNESS
- Death Squared
- Deponia Doomsday
- Devil May Cry 5
- Dice Legacy
- Dirt 5
- Dirt Rally 2.0
- Disc Room
- DreamWorks Dragons: Dawn of the New Riders
- DreamWorks: Spirit Lucky's Big Adventure
- Dusk
- DYNASTY WARS
- Earthworm Jim
- Earthworm Jim 2
- Edna & Harvey: Harvey's New Eyes
- Edna & Harvey: The Breakout
- El Hijo- A Wild West Tale
- Endling: Extinction is Forever
- Endzone: A World Apart
- Enter The Gungeon
- Epic Chef
- Everspace
- Far Cry 2
- Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon
- Far Cry 4
- Far Cry 5
- Far Cry 6
- Far Cry New Dawn
- Far Cry Primal
- FINAL FIGHT
- Fortnite (US, Germany, the UK, and Canada)
- Freshly Frosted
- Furi
- Garfield Kart
- Garfield Kart- Furious Racing
- Get Packed Fully Loaded
- Get Packed Couch Chaos
- Gianna Sisters: Twiested Dreams
- Ghost of a Tale
- Ghostrunner
- Ghosts'n Goblins
- Giga Wing
- Grid
- GRIS
- Guacamelee! 2
- Guacamelee!: Super Turbo Championship Edition
- Hard Reset Redux
- Haven
- Heave Ho
- Horizon Chase Turbo
- Hot Wheels: Unleashed
- Iconoclasts
- Immortals Fenyx Rising
- Indivisible
- Infinite Minigolf
- Joggernauts
- Judgement
- Katamari Damacy REROLL
- Katana Zero
- Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth
- Killer Queen Black
- Kine
- King of Fighters '98
- Kingdom Come: Deliverance
- Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning
- LEGO DC Super-Villains
- Lost Judgment
- Lumines Remastered
- Mail Mole
- Martha is Dead
- Mega Man 11
- MegaMan Legacy Collection
- MEGA TWINS
- Melbits World
- Metal Slug
- Metal Slug 3
- Metal Slug X
- Metro Exodus
- Mighty Switch Force! Collection
- Momonga Pinball Adventures
- Monopoly PLUS
- Monopoly Madness
- Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom
- Monster Harvest
- Monster Truck Championship
- Monster Truck Championship: Rebel Hunter Edition
- Mortal Shell: Enhanced Edition
- Moving Out
- Myst
- Narita Boy
- No More Heroes
- No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle
- Obduction
- Observer: System Redux
- Okami HD
- Olija
- Orbital Bullet
- Overcooked
- Overcooked 2
- Panzer Dragoon Remake
- Paper Beast- Folded Edition
- Perish
- PHOGS!
- PictoQuest
- Pile Up! Box by Box
- Potion Permit
- Powered Gear — Strategic Variant Armor Equipment
- Progear
- R-Type Dimensions EX
- Race The Sun
- RAD
- Redout
- Resident Evil 2
- Resident Evil 3
- Resident Evil 7 Biohazard
- Retro Classix: Breakthru
- Retro Classix: Express Raider
- Retro Classix: Super Real Darwin
- Retro Classix: Wizard Fire
- Rez Infinite
- Riders Republic
- Riptide GP: Renegade
- River City Girls
- Rime
- Ride 4
- River City Girls
- Rogue Heroes: Ruins of Tasos
- Sail Forth
- Saints Row: The Third Remastered
- Samurai Warriors 5
- Scott Pilgirm
- Senjo no Okami II
- Severed Steel
- Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shotgun
- Shantae: Half-Genie Hero
- Shantae: Risky's Revenge
- Shantae and the Pirate's Curse
- SkateBIRD
- Skelittle: A Giant Party!!
- SMITE
- Smoots Summer Games
- Smoots World Cup Tennis
- Smurfs: Mission Vileaf
- Snake Pass
- Sonic Colors
- Sonic Colors Ultimate
- Sonic Mania Plus
- Space Otter Charlie
- Sparklite
- Spirit of the North
- Spirit: Lucky's Big Adventure
- Spitlings
- SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated
- Star Wars: Pinball
- Starlink
- SteamWorld Dig
- SteamWorld Dig 2
- SteamWorld Heist
- SteamWorld Quest
- Steel Assault
- Steep
- STREET FIGHTER II — The World Warrior
- STRIDER
- Summer Paws
- Super Kickers League Ultimate
- Super Mega Baseball: Extra Innings
- Super Mega Baseball 3
- Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania
- SUPER STREET FIGHTER II TURBO
- Sythentik: Legion Rising
- Tacoma
- Tangledeep
- Team Sonic Racing
- Tennis World Tour 2
- Tetris Effect: Connected
- The Adventure Pals
- The Crew
- The Falconeer
- The Falconeer: Edge of the World
- The Jackbox Party Pack 2
- The Jackbox Party Pack 3
- The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero
- The Legend of Heroes: Trials of Cold Steal III
- The Legend of Heroes: Trials of Cold Steal IV
- The Medium
- The Mummy Demastered
- The Sexy Brutale
- The Smurfs: Mission Vileaf
- The Surge
- The Surge 2
- The Wonderful 101: Remastered
- Thimbleweed Park
- Thymesia
- Time on Frog Island
- Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Breakpoint
- Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Wildlands
- Tom Clancy's Ghost Reconration Motherland
- Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Extraction
- Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege
- Tom Clancy's The Division
- Tom Clancy's The Division 2
- Tormented Souls
- Tracks
- Tracks- ToyBox Edition
- Tracks- The Train Set Game
- Transformers: Battlegrounds
- Trials Fusion
- Trials Rising
- Trollhunters: Defenders of Arcadia
- Tumblestone
- Two Point Hospital
- Under Night In-Birth Exe: Late cl-r
- Urban Trial Playground
- UNO Ultimate Edition
- Valfaris
- Valkyria
- VARTH — Operation Thunderstorm
- Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider
- Victor Vran
- Wandersong
- WARRIORS OF FATE
- Watch Dogs
- Watch Dogs 2
- Watch Dogs: Legion
- Watch Dogs: Legion- Bloodline
- Windjammers 2
- Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap
- Worms Crazy Golf
- WRC Generations
- Yakuza 0
- Yakuza Kiwami
- Yakuza Kiwami 2
- Yakuza: Like A Dragon
- Yoku's Island Express
- Yono and the Celestial Elephants
- Yooka-Laylee
- Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair
- Youtubers Life
- YouTubers Life: OMG Edition
- Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana
- Ys IX: Monstrum Nox
References
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Amazon Luna Controller Review". PCMAG.
- ^ "Controllers Compatible with Amazon Luna - Amazon Customer Service".
- ^ "Connection Options for Amazon Luna Controller - Amazon Customer Service".
- ^ "Set Up a Luna Phone Controller - Amazon Customer Service".
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Amazon Luna Guide: What Is It & How Luna Works".
- ^ "Amazon Luna Games » Current List 2023". Cloudbase. September 25, 2020. Retrieved July 14, 2023.