Luna uses the Windows Server operating system and Nvidia Tesla T4 graphics cards from Amazon Web Services for streaming games,[4] and is available in the United States, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Luna's competitors include other cloud gaming platforms like Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation Plus cloud streaming, and GeForce Now.
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. Luna subscribers have access to Ubisoft and Epic Games titles the same day they release through their respective channels. 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]
The Luna Controller is an optional accessory at the additional cost of $59.99. The controller has 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). The color of the controller is black.[10] A microphone is built in, which supports Amazon Alexa. The controller can connect through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or a USB-C cable.[11]
USB connections can be used on Windows, Mac, Android, and Chromebook. iOS devices do not support USB OTG, and can only connect to game controllers over 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: 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.
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
[edit]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, Spain, Austria, Poland, and The Netherlands, with further international release unconfirmed.
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.
Video games
