Cloud gaming is growing rapidly as an alternative to traditional console and PC gaming. With cloud gaming services like Amazon Luna, you can instantly play high quality games by just streaming them over the internet. No need for expensive gaming hardware or lengthy downloads and updates.
Amazon Luna entered the cloud gaming race in 2020 and has quickly grown its game catalog and userbase since then. But what exactly is Amazon Luna, how does it work and compare to rivals like Google Stadia or Nvidia GeForce Now? Let‘s take a comprehensive look in this complete guide.
Overview – What is Amazon Luna?
Amazon Luna is a cloud gaming service owned and operated by Amazon. It allows users to simply stream and play games on devices like PCs, Macs, Fire TV, iPhone/iPad as well as Android phones.
The games themselves run on Amazon‘s servers via the cloud instead of needing powerful local hardware. Commands and video footage is streamed between the servers and your device for a responsive, low latency experience.
Some key capabilities offered by Amazon Luna:
- Stream and play games instantly without waiting for downloads or updates.
- Resume playing seamlessly across devices like phone, tablet, computer etc.
- Access a Netflix-style catalog of games with 100+ titles via Luna+ channel.
- Channels allow you to subscribe to content from specific publishers.
- Share game access with friends and family via the Luna Couch feature.
The Amazon advantage comes from leveraging their proven AWS cloud infrastructure for delivering high performance game streaming worldwide. Integration with Twitch also provides options for streaming Luna gameplay live.
How Does Amazon Luna Game Streaming Work?
Amazon Luna works on the premise of cloud gaming. The basic concept is:
- Games are installed, updated and executed on Amazon‘s cloud servers
- Video and audio from the games is streamed to your device via internet
- Your inputs and controls are sent back to the server to drive the game
So as a Luna player, you just need a compatible device like a Fire TV, computer, phone etc with a stable internet connection. No need for an expensive gaming PC or console.
The ‘heavy lifting‘ of running game graphics and processing is handled by Luna servers on AWS infrastructure. This allows you to conveniently play without dealing with hardware limitations, settings configurations or long download times.
Luna game streaming requires minimum 10 Mbps internet speeds for smooth 1080p resolution. For best performance especially 4K gaming, 25 Mbps or higher is recommended. Support for 5GHz Wi-Fi ensures lower interference.
Amazon also offers an optional Luna Controller ($50) that directly connects with the cloud servers via Wi-Fi. This eliminates bluetooth latency allowing faster response times. But regular bluetooth controllers are also compatible.
Features and Capabilities of Amazon Luna
Let‘s look at some of the standout capabilities offered by the Luna cloud gaming service:
Intuitive Game Streaming Interface
The Luna interface comprises game channels viewable as rows. It looks clean with curated selections of games based on genre or type. Better discoverability than complex game store style interfaces. Easy browsing by membership plan, recent launches etc too.
The unique Luna Couch feature lets Luna subscribers share their game access with friends and family. Up to two people can join a playing session by just using an Amazon account and internet connection. No need for others to be paid subscribers too. Great for collaborative and social play.
High Performance Cloud Controller
The Luna Controller ($50) connects directly to the cloud servers via Wi-Fi allowing ultra low latency input. Allows quicker response times for fast paced action and competitive multiplayer games. Also easy to switch between different screens and devices while retaining controller pairing.
Integration with Twitch Live Streaming
Luna players can easily go live on Twitch and stream their gameplay sessions. Just need to connect Twitch account and click broadcast. Camera, microphone and chat features enable engaging streams. Great complementary capability for the gaming/streaming audience.
Cross-Progression Across Devices
With Luna, users can start playing a game on one screen, like Fire TV in living room. And resume from the same precise point on another device like phone or computer without losing progress. This flexibility sets it apart from console and PC gaming.
Growing Library with 100+ Games
As of early 2023, Luna offers over 100 popular game titles spanning various genres and types. The Luna+ game channel itself provides a Netflix-style catalog with many recognizable franchises and newer releases. Additional channels also available for specific game publishers.
Luna System Requirements and Supported Devices
A key benefit of cloud game streaming is it works across a variety of devices without heavy duty specs needed. Here are the system requirements for using Amazon Luna:
Windows
- Windows 10 or 11
- Recent Intel/AMD processor
- 4 GB RAM
- DirectX 11 compatible GPU
- Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge browser
Mac
- macOS 10.15+
- Recent Intel processor
- 4 GB RAM
- Safari browser
Fire TV
- Fire TV Stick Lite / 2nd Gen
- Fire TV 3rd Gen / Cube / 4K
- Fire TV Smart TVs
Mobile
- iPhone/iPad with iOS 14+
- Android phone with OS 8+
- Safari or Chrome browser
Internet Connection
- 10 Mbps for 1080p streaming
- 5 GHz Wi-Fi network recommended
- Wired ethernet offers best stability
Ideally use a computer with dedicated GPU, Fire TV 4K device or high-end phone for best graphics and smooth streaming performance. Entry level hardware can also work reasonably well via Chrome or other Luna supported browsers.
Amazon Luna Pricing and Subscription Plans
Amazon currently offers these pricing plans and options for Luna cloud gaming access:
1. Prime Gaming Channel
Free with Amazon Prime membership. Get over 25 games on rotation each month from Luna catalog. Prime channel games changes every month. Ideal way to try sample of titles.
2. Luna+ Channel
Luna+ is the full featured core offering with unlimited access to over 100 titles. This channel is priced at $9.99 per month. Can play popular picks like Resident Evil, Metro Exodus, Control, A Plague Tale and more via one subscription.
3. Ubisoft Channel
Ubisoft+ on Luna provides you access to new and popular games from this leading publisher. Library includes Assassins Creed Valhalla, Far Cry 6, Rainbow Six titles and more. Separate $17.99 monthly fee.
4. Family Channel
Tailored for kids and families with a hand picked catalog of age appropriate games. Features family friendly coop and multiplayer picks. Luna Family channel offered at $5.99 per month.
5. Retro Channel
The Retro Channel comprises classic and newer retro-style games invoking nostalgia. Genres cover platformers, RPGs, arcade, puzzles and more. Channel provided for additional $4.99 every month.
Besides unlimited play access, Luna+ and other premium channel subscriptions offer up to 4K HDR 60 FPS streaming quality where supported. You can subscribe to multiple channels based on gaming interests or switch between Prime, Luna+ and Channels.
How Does Luna Compare with Nvidia GeForce Now?
Nvidia GeForce Now is a leading alternative in cloud gaming space. Like Luna it too relies on data centers for streaming games that users can access across devices.
Both platforms offer free trials for hands on evaluation before paid commitments. But there are some notable differences:
| Amazon Luna | Nvidia GeForce Now |
|---|---|
| Dedicated game catalog with 100+ titles on Luna cloud | Accesses your existing game libraries from stores |
| Original Luna controller uses Wi-Fi for lowest latency | Needs Bluetooth controller |
| Luna channels provide curated content | interface mirrors Steam and Epic Games store |
| Family sharing of game access via Luna Couch | no family sharing offered |
| Maximum 4K 60 FPS streaming | up to 1080p 120 FPS streaming |
| $9.99/month for Luna+ unlimited access | free tier but 1 hr limit per session |
GeForce Now certainly has wider compatibility given it hooks into your Steam, Epic and other gaming libraries. But Luna provides a more integrated experience similar to consoles. Choice ultimately depends on specific game interests and budgets.
10 Best Games on Amazon Luna Worth Playing
Thanks to partnerships with publishers like Ubisoft, Capcom and others – Luna boasts an impressive and expanding games catalog. Genres span Shooters, Racers, Platformers, RPGs and beyond.
Here are 10 of the highest rated and most played titles on Amazon Luna as of early 2023:
1. Assassin‘s Creed Valhalla
The latest addition to the iconic Assassins Creed franchise takes you to 9th century England during Viking invasions. Signature stealth and action blended into an open world setting full of quests, raids and territory battles.
2. Resident Evil VII Biohazard
This 2017 horror classic Resident Evil shifts to a first-person perspective for a deeply immersive survival experience. Explore a derelict plantation and avoid deadly encounters with the Baker family. Atmospheric visuals and audio make it terrifying.
3. Control
Control from Remedy Studios blends third-person action with supernatural powers and weird fiction. You take control of Director Faden exploring a shape shifting bureaucracy headquarters combating an unknown invasion.
4 Far Cry 3 Classic Edition
Far Cry 3 first released in 2012 is considered among the best sandbox action adventures still. The tropical island setting pits you against pirates and warlords as you rescue friends and unravel conspiracies.
5. Metro Exodus
Metro Exodus is another single player first person shooter combining survival, stealth and action elements. The immersive post apocalyptic Russian setting with mutated dangers give it a signature flavor.
6. Saints Row The Third
Over the top open world mayhem fueled by eccentric characters, weapons and vehicles. The Saints Row franchise is considered a more lighthearted counter to the seriousness of GTA games. Signature coop mode.
7. Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
Bloodstained comes from Koji Igarashi the producer of classic Castlevania games. Similar gothic platformer and RPG elements blended into an original setting. Expansive castle with plenty of abilities and weapons to unlock.
8. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World
Cult classic coop beat em up game themed after the Scott Pilgrim comics and movie. Signature pixel art aesthetics and soundtrack. Up to 4 player local and online multiplayer.
9. GRID Legends
GRID Legends from Codemasters offers high intensity racing across real world locales like London, Moscow. Blends different race events like Touring, Tuner with gripping story driven campaign.
10. Phoenix Point
Phoenix Point wears its XCOM inspiration on its sleeve but also innovates the tactical squad based formula. Fight menacing aliens while uncovering secrets of the Pandoravirus outbreak.
Luna Plus subscribers have unlimited access to all these and over 100 more quality titles for just $10 monthly. New games get continually added over time as well like recent additions of Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves and Marvel‘s Spiderman.
Tips for Getting Started with Amazon Luna
Here are some helpful pointers for new players trying Amazon Luna cloud gaming:
- Take advantage of the free Prime gaming channel or 7-day Luna+ trial before paying
- The dedicated Luna controller ($50) is worth buying for lowest lag
- Use wired internet connection for most stable performance where possible
- Start playing on TV or monitor instead of phone to enjoy full graphics
- Hide display/performance info (CTRL+SHIFT+F1 on PC) for cleaner look
- Don‘t neglect audio! Use good headphones for immersive gameplay
- Familiarize yourself with the Luna UI and how to browse/manage games
- Live stream your sessions via Twitch integration
- Be sure to enable 2-factor authentication on Amazon account for security
Is Amazon Luna Worth Trying Out? Final Impressions
In closing, Amazon Luna presents a compelling option in the cloud gaming space today. Backed by proven AWS infrastructure and boasting exclusive integration with Twitch – it offers some unique perks.
The ability to conveniently play high fidelity games instantly across screens is extremely empowering. Luna channels provide curated access to new and popular titles across genres for just $10-15 monthly. Far more cost effective than console or gaming PC upgrades.
While the likes of Xbox Cloud Gaming (beta) also show promise, they currently don‘t match the Luna catalog depth or family sharing capabilities. Nvidia GeForce Now may have wider Steam compatibility but lacks the integrated experience.
For these reasons, Amazon Luna is certainly worth evaluating via the free trial channels if you‘re seeking a simpler alternative to dedicated gaming hardware. It continues to improve the content lineup and technical capabilities over time.
