Amazon Luna officially launches and gives you another way to enjoy cloud gaming

In a world where it’s still almost impossible to get your hands on an Xbox Series X or PS5, the world of cloud gaming has exploded. With options like NVIDIA’s GeForce Now, Google Stadia, and Xbox Game Pass, you don’t need to shell out hundreds of dollars to enjoy some of the best AAA titles out there. This is especially true for Game Pass, as Microsoft has made games like Halo Infinite available through Game Pass on day one, as opposed to waiting for a separate release.

Back in 2020, Amazon decided to jump on the cloud game streaming train with Amazon Luna. Until now, the service has only been available as a semi-closed beta, meaning that you had to “apply” and wait to be able to try it out. Amazon has lifted those restrictions, and Luna is now available for everyone in the U.S. if you have been looking for a cloud game streaming alternative. Along with the launch, Amazon has provided three new channels that you will be able to enjoy:

• 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 Cry5; Observer: System Redux; PHOGS!; Flashback; and, from 3/8-3/14, Immortals Fenyx Rising.
• 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.

Amazon is taking a different approach with Luna compared to what you’ll find with Game Pass. Instead of offering an “all-in-one” subscription, Luna is broken up into different “channels”, each with a different monthly subscription. For example, there’s a Family Channel for $5.99 per month, along with Luna+ which offers an array of games for $9.99 per month. There’s even an Ubisoft+ channel that includes popular titles from the Assassin’s Creed library, along with Far Cry, The Division, and others.

In order to get started, you might want to pick up Amazon’s dedicated Luna controller, which is currently on sale for $49 as part of Luna’s launch promotion. There’s also a bundle that includes a phone clip that attaches to the Luna controller so you can game on the go. But Amazon also points out that Luna does support Xbox One and PS4 controllers, along with being able to just use a mouse and keyboard if you want.