Software:Amazon Luna

Short description: Cloud gaming and streaming service

Amazon Luna

Developer	Amazon
Type	Cloud 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)
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

Amazon Luna is a cloud gaming platform developed and operated by Amazon. 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. In its early access state, Amazon Luna featured about 100 different games combined, 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.

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.

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.

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.

Controllers

Luna Controller

Manufacturer	Amazon
Type	Video game controller
Release date	March 1, 2022
Input	2x analog sticks 2× analog triggers (LT, RT) 2× shoulder buttons (LB, RB) 8x digital buttons (A, B, X, Y, Action, Menu, Microphone, Home) D-Pad

Luna supports control through keyboard and mouse, the Xbox Wireless Controller, and the DualShock 4 and DualSense controllers.

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). A microphone is built in, allowing support for Amazon Alexa. The controller can connect through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or a USB-C cable.

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
Mouse and keyboard	USB, Bluetooth	N/A	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	DirectInput XInput	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: toggling the switch on the controller to DirectInput & re-plugging the USB cable 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 Wireless Controller (for Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S)	USB, Bluetooth	XInput	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	DirectInput
PlayStation 5 controller (DualSense)	USB, Bluetooth	DirectInput
Luna Controller	USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (Cloud Direct)	DirectInput (default) XInput (with optional driver installation)	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. Using Bluetooth with a Luna controller on Windows requires installation of hardware drivers. 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)	N/A	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.

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. 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.

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
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.

External links

• Web Application Website