Amazon's cloud gaming service, Luna, is now available to everyone in the US
Amazon is ready to take on Google's Stadia and Microsoft's xCloud with its own game streaming service that is now available to everyone in mainland US, with free games for Prime subscribers.Amazon Luna game streaming
Amazon Luna was unveiled in September 2020 and the service is now leaving its invite-only beta. The official launch brings Luna to the US but there is no word on other regions yet. - "Luna harnesses the power of the cloud, enabling customers to instantly play high quality, immersive games on the devices they already own," said Daniel Rausch, VP of Amazon Entertainment Devices & Services. "Today, we’re excited to make Luna available to all customers in the mainland United States, with a unique offer for Prime members to play free games, new Twitch broadcast features for creators, and a broad lineup of titles for any gamer to enjoy."Amazon Luna lets you stream games over the internet to your FireTV, iPad/iPad, Windows PC, Chromebook and Android mobile devices. There is no app for Apple TV, Android TV, Google TV, Smart TVs or any game console. Amazon has also launched its own game controller. Amazon Luna supports maximum 1080p60 game streaming without HDR. Amazon Luna is an alternative to Google Stadia and Microsoft xCloud (in Xbox Game Pass). Amazon and Microsoft are taking the subscription approach whereas most games must be bought separately on Google Stadia. Also read: Report: Sony's rival to Xbox Game Pass to have 3 subscription tiers With the official launch, Amazon is giving existing Prime subscribers free access to a few games such as Devil May Cry 5; Observer: System Redux, and Immortals Fenyx Rising. Additional games can be purchases as 'channels' and Amazon is now adding three additional channels; Prime Gaming Channel (for Prime subscribers), Retro Channel, and Jackbox Games Channel. New Luna features include live broadcasting to Twitch and the Luna Phone Controller. A Luna+ subscription costs $6 per month. The price will increase to $10 per month for new subscribers starting April 1. The Retro Channel is available for $5 per month, the Jackbox Games Channel for $5 per month, and the Ubisoft+ Channel for $18 per month.
Amazon Luna public launch
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Gaming Channels on Luna: Prime Gaming Channel: Amazon Prime members can now play a rotating selection of games for free on Luna through a dedicated channel. For the month of March, Prime members can play Devil May Cry 5; Observer: System Redux; PHOGS!; Flashback; and, from 3/8-3/14, Immortals Fenyx Rising. The Luna+ Channel offers a growing library of new and favorite titles that include more than 100 games for every type of gamer. You’ll find a wide selection of titles and genres, including favorites like Mega Man 11, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, Control, SMITE, DiRT 5, Sonic Mania Plus, and many more. The Family Channel offers subscribers a carefully curated collection of more than 35 games that are appropriate and approachable for the whole family, including SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom — Rehydrated, Adventure Time: Pirates of the Enchiridion, Garfield Kart — Furious Racing, SkateBIRD, Space Otter Charlie, Overcooked!, and many more. The Ubisoft+ Channel offers access to play more than 35 of Ubisoft’s popular new games unlimited, including Assassins Creed: Valhalla, Far Cry 6, Immortals Fenyx Rising, Riders Republic, Watch Dogs: Legion, and Rainbow Six Siege along with franchise favorites like Ghost Recon and The Division. The Ubisoft+ Channel also offers day and date releases like Rainbow Six Extraction. Retro Channel: The Retro Channel features beloved classic games from publishers like Capcom and SNK, so subscribers can relive fan favorites like Street Fighter II’ - Hyper Fighting -, Metal Slug 3, Castlevania Anniversary Collection, and more for $4.99 per month. Jackbox Games Channel: Family game night has never been more fun with Luna and Jackbox Games. The Jackbox Games Channel on Luna is the only place you can play all eight Party Packs from Jackbox Games with one subscription. Play popular hits including Quiplash, YOU DON’T KNOW JACK, Drawful, and Trivia Murder Party. These titles support Luna Couch, a cloud-first feature that lets you invite others to join a multiplayer gameplay session instantly, even if they don’t have a Luna subscription. The Jackbox Games Channel is available for $4.99 per month. New Features on Luna: Live Broadcasting to Twitch: Now anyone can be a Twitch broadcaster on Luna, with just a few clicks. With the latest Luna update on PC, Mac, and Fire TV, a new broadcast button lets you stream gameplay live with a camera feed overlaid on-screen, providing a new, simple way to broadcast to friends or the Twitch community. With Fire TV devices, simply use a QR code to connect your phone as a webcam and mic. Luna Phone Controller: Users can now try Luna on Fire TV using just an iPhone or Android phone as the controller through the Luna Controller app, available as a free download in the iOS and Android app stores. The on-screen controller is an option for new or casual gamers without a controller who want to check out side-scrollers, turn-based RPGs, trivia titles, and more.
