Amazon, not content to watch competitors corner an emerging market, has introduced its own streaming game service. On Thursday, September 24, 2020, Amazon announced their long-rumored entry into the growingly crowded cloud gaming market. The new service, called Amazon Luna, will initially be available on PC, Mac, Fire TV and web apps for iPhone and iPad. They’re launching with a variety of game genres including action, adventure, platformer, indie, shooter, RPG, racing and classics from developers Ubisoft, Capcom, 505 Games, and Team 17 with a commitment to grow the library in upcoming months.

Amazon appears to provide curated libraries of games into what they call “Game Channels.” As of the announcement, they’ve listed Luna+ for $5.99/month USD and Ubisoft (pricing not yet announced) as the initial channels available to subscribers. Both advertise unlimited play and up to 1080p/60fps quality with 4k support in the future. Luna+ allows for simultaneous streaming on 2 devices while Ubisoft is limited to 1. Additional game channels have yet to be announced.

The service will feature Amazon’s own controller with “Cloud Direct” technology which connects directly to Amazon’s servers which they claim to reduce roundtrip latency by 17 to 30 milliseconds vs a local Bluetooth connection. The Luna Controller features “low-friction thumbsticks, a comfortable textured grip, and wireless gameplay.” It will also have built-in Alexa functionality for launching games through voice control.

Luna will require a high-speed internet connection, compatible game controller or mouse and keyboard, and a supported PC, Mac, Fire TV, iPhone, and iPad with more supported devices potentially in the future. Amazon also recommends a minimum internet connection speed of 10 Mbps for 1080p gaming and 35 Mbps for 4K when it becomes available. It goes without saying that lower latency and better connection speeds will result in a better experience.

The service is currently in early access and is only available in the continental United States through an invitation. For those interested, more information and the early access is available on the Amazon Luna website at https://www.amazon.com/luna/landing-page.

Amazon will not be alone in the streaming game market with competition from Google’s Stadia, Microsoft’s Xcloud, and Nvidia’s Geforce Now.

Would you be interested in using Amazon's Gaming streaming Service? Do you use one now? Let us know in the comments below.

WRITTEN BY Pedigo
EDITED BY Silek