Amazon is venturing into cloud gaming with its new “Luna” platform, allowing gamers to stream video games with no additional hardware.
Cloud gaming has attracted many people because of its accessibility and ease of use, but what is Amazon Luna, and more importantly, how does it work? Check out our guide below to find out!
What Is Amazon Luna In [currentyear]?
Amazon is venturing into cloud gaming with its Luna platform in [currentyear]. It’s currently only available by invitation, and it will allow gamers to stream video games without the need for any additional hardware. Gamers can choose from three plans, ranging in price from $2.99/mo. to $17.99/ mo. to access popular, current, and past video game titles.
To find out more about Amazon’s newest project, Amazon Luna, including which devices are compatible, game availability, and more, keep reading!
How Can Gamers Gain Access to Amazon Luna?
Since Amazon Luna is only available in beta, access is by invitation only.
In order to be invited, log in to your Amazon account on the website or app, and click on the “Request an Invitation” link on the Amazon Luna homepage.
Once this link has been clicked, Amazon will send an email to the email address on file saying if you’re approved.
However, keep in mind that currently, Amazon Luna is not available:
- Outside of the continental US
- For Amazon teen accounts
- For Amazon Business Accounts
Once Amazon has sent you an approval email, the next step is to accept your early invitation by subscribing to one available Luna plan.
What Are the Available Amazon Luna Plans?
Currently, there are three plans available for early Luna users to choose from: Luna+, Ubisoft+, and Family Channel.
1. Luna +
With Luna +, users have access to many popular game titles like Metro Exodus, GRID, and Control.
Play is restricted to only two devices at a time, and this plan is supported on Windows PC, Mac, Fire Tablets, Fire TV, chrome book, and apps for Android and iPhones.
2. Ubisoft+
Likewise, Luna offers a range of classic and new release games from Ubisoft +. For no additional fee, users can also link their existing Ubisoft account to play those games.
3. Family Channel
On the Luna Family Channel, a younger audience has access to family-friendly games, with characters like SpongeBob.
All games are rated E or E10+, which designates that they are safe for everyone to play.
In addition, Family Channel subscribers can play co-op games with friends that don’t have a subscription through Luna Couch by sharing a unique code.
Like the other plans, only two devices can be used simultaneously, and they are supported on the same devices.
What Devices Will Amazon Luna Support?
Luna is available for any device with a Safari or Chrome web browser, including Windows PC and Mac, Fire Tablets and TV, as well as chrome books.
In addition, Luna also has apps for Android and iOS users.
When Is the Launch Date for Amazon Luna?
Although Amazon officially announced the Luna platform in September 2020, the official launch date is still up in the air, as Amazon hasn’t set a date yet.
However, Amazon opened its invitation-only access to the system to the cloud gaming industry in October 2020, and it is still open at present.
What Games Will Be Available?
Gamers will be excited to know that many of their favorite games are already available to stream on Amazon Luna, with many more being regularly introduced.
Notably, these include popular titles such as the following:
- Sonic Mania
- Saints Row
- Assassins Creed
- Kingdom Come
- Resident Evil
How Much Does Amazon Luna Cost?
Unfortunately, this service does not come free with the Amazon Prime membership, and pricing is based on which plan is chosen at sign up, which are listed below:
- Luna+- $5.99/month
- Ubisoft+- $17.99/month
- Family Channel- $2.99/month
Users have access to a free 7-day trial membership with each plan before monthly recurring billing begins.
What Is Needed for the Amazon Luna Subscription?
First, to use Amazon’s Luna platform, users should have a high-speed internet connection, which is not always available for everyone.
Here are some steps to prep your gaming environment for a better streaming experience with Amazon Luna:
- Make sure your wireless router is unobstructed, near the location you plan to play the most.
- If your wifi network gives you a choice between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, choose the 5 GHz option.
- While playing on PC, Mac, or Fire TV, connecting the device to your router with an ethernet cable is recommended.
What Controllers Are Compatible with Amazon Luna?
Although a controller is not necessary to play games on Amazon Luna, there are several compatible controllers many gamers may already own, like those used with the following:
- PS4
- Xbox One
- select Bluetooth controllers
- mouse + keyboard
For the best playing experience, Amazon’s Luna platform recently developed its controller.
Currently, the Luna controller is available for purchase on Amazon for $69.99.
Many benefits come with this controller, such as the following:
1. Reduction of Latency
Since Luna Controller over Cloud Direct connects directly to Amazon’s custom game servers, the latency is decreased.
On the other hand, latency is longer when a controller is connected to Luna via Bluetooth on Windows PC, Mac, or Fire TV.
Overall, using a direct connection reduces the latency by 17-30 milliseconds.
2. No Need for Pairing
Luna controllers have a cloud connection, which means they talk directly to the cloud.
Since this direct connection exists, there is no need to pair, which saves you time and allows you to transition from one device to another seamlessly.
In addition, it’s compatible with the following:
- Windows PC
- Mac
- Fire TV
- Fire Tablet
- iPhone or iPad running iOS 10+
- Chromebooks running Chrome OS 50+
- Most Android devices operating on Android 4+
3. Works with the Fire TV
Not only does Luna work with computers, but it can also be paired with Amazon Fire TV to play games from Luna’s growing library.
It can also be paired over Bluetooth with other devices like your iPhone.
Additionally, the Luna controller also works as a remote control for the Amazon Fire TV.
Is Amazon Luna Available in the UK?
Amazon Luna is currently only available in the United States, but hopefully, it will be available in the UK soon!
To find out more, you can also read our related posts on what is Amazon Prime Gaming, Amazon video game return policy, and what is an Amazon Fire Stick.
Conclusion
The Amazon Luna Cloud Gaming Platform is a new gaming service that will offer various games. At this time, it is only available by invitation that can be requested on Amazon, or by downloading the Luna app for Fire TV or Fire Tablet.
Once approved, Luna cloud gaming frees gamers from needing consoles and gaming PCs to play games – all they will need is high-speed internet access.
