Image via Amazon
Cloud gaming has become a massive phenomenon in recent years, with Microsoft and Nvidia moving into the field through Xbox Cloud Gaming and GeForce Now, respectively. Google also attempted a brief stint with cloud gaming through Stadia, but that’s quite a long story and we’ve already delved into it on another post here on The DZSH Group. Amazon also has its own service called Luna, but is it worth your money and time? Let’s take a look.
What is Amazon Luna?
Amazon Luna is a cloud gaming subscription service that allows its users to play video games on many devices, including your smartphone, tablet, computer, and smart TV. Launched by Amazon in September 2020, Luna has been expanding its services globally.
Amazon Luna features several things, including a library of games that users can stream directly from the cloud. You don’t need a dedicated gaming console or a gaming PC/laptop. Basically, you just stream the game to this device with a compatible controller or keyboard and mouse.
Amazon Luna also has a subscription service called Luna+, which gives users access to a library of games they can play from. You can also buy games on Luna so that you can play the ones you want to play. You don’t need the subscription, but it does give you access to more features.
Amazon Luna is Super Easy to Use
One of the biggest advantages of Amazon Luna is its ease of use. Setting up Luna is a breeze, as all you need is a compatible device and a good internet connection.
The service is available on a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs, and you can switch between devices seamlessly without losing your progress. The Luna app is also easy to navigate, with a clean and intuitive interface.
I tried using Luna on my iPad, and it was super simple. I just used Safari and added the Luna app to my home screen through the website. From there, it’s just about connecting a controller and then I was able to jump into the games I wanted to play.
Amazon Luna Has an Alright Library of Games
Amazon Luna offers a curated library of games that includes both popular titles and indie gems. The library is constantly growing, with new games added regularly. Some of the games available on Luna+ include Resident Evil 2, Devil May Cry 5, and Mortal Shell.
Luna also has a partnership with Ubisoft, so you get access to your entire PC library on Amazon Luna. You don’t need to pay any extra, but you do need an Amazon Prime membership, which is really the only catch.
Amazon Prime users also get access to a rotating selection of games, so you can play these few games as many times as you want for as long as they are available.
Amazon Luna Relies Mainly on Channels Though
However, the library of games could be so much better. Compared to other services like Xbox Cloud Gaming, Amazon Luna is not as expansive. Xbox Cloud Gaming is through Xbox Game Pass, which has over 100 games that include Day 1 releases like Atomic Heart as well as Bethesda titles like Dishonored or Fallout.
In order to get access to a lot of games, such as Ubisoft games that you don’t own, you can subscribe to the Ubisoft+ “channel” and get access to Ubisoft’s games. However, you’ll have to pay an extra $17.99 each month for that.
There’s also a family-friendly channel, which mostly features indie titles that are appropriate for younger kids to play. Obviously, there’s not going to be something like Resident Evil 3 on here, but you get it. This channel is a $5.99 subscription.
Then there’s a retro channel that’s an additional $4.99 monthly. There’s nothing like Sonic or Mario, but you can play the full Capcom Arcade Stadium along with Space Ace, ShadowMan Remastered, and Bloodrayne 1 and 2. It’s not an insane offering, but it’s good for what it is.
The main issue with Luna is this channel system, which can add up to a lot of money each month. The Ubisoft+ channel alone costs more than Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which offers a significantly larger library of games and much more potential for play and enjoyment.
Amazon Luna’s Graphics and Performance
Amazon Luna’s second-biggest issue is that it’s not as graphically impressive as some of the other services out there. It’s currently maxed out at 1080p resolution with 60 FPS. Now, that’s not exactly bad by any means, but it’s certainly not as nice as 4K, for instance. It’s not very noticeable on an iPad or smartphone, but it will be more noticeable on a TV with the Firestick.
Amazon recommends that you use a 10Mbps internet connection for 1080p game streaming over Luna. Amazon also recommends that you connect to your WiFi via 5GHz. There is a 720p streaming option, which uses less bandwidth, but this will obviously not be as beautiful to look at.
The performance is much better if you’re using the Amazon Luna controller, which may not be something everyone wants to buy. You don’t need the Luna controller, and I did use an Xbox One controller through my iPad for the most part, but the Luna controller will provide the best performance.
However, for the most part, your latency and performance is going to be great. I was on campus the other day waiting for a midterm and actually played a bit of Assassin’s Creed Origins on my iPad. It was a good experience, even over the university’s public WiFi–certainly not the best performance possible, but it was playable.
Verdict: Is Amazon Luna Worth the Money?
Amazon Luna is a great option for gamers who want to play high-quality games without the need for a dedicated gaming console or high-end computer. The service is easy to use, has a great selection of games, and offers relatively good graphics and great performance.
The channel setup is probably its weakest point, and the Luna+ library doesn’t match up to Game Pass, but it’s still a relatively good service either way.
Overall, if you’re looking for a cloud gaming service and you already use Amazon’s services quite frequently, then it’s probably a good idea to use. Also, if you have plenty of PC games from Ubisoft already and you have a Prime subscription, it’s a great way to play your library on the go.
The final verdict? Amazon Luna is worth it, and you should definitely look into this service!
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Zainah Yousef
Zainah Yousef is the author of The Fallen Age Saga and specializes in gaming, social media advice, and reviews. She's been writing all her life and she probably won't stop anytime soon.
