--- title: We tried Amazon Luna and it’s not bad - The Hustle description: Amazon’s Luna launches as a cheap option for the casual gamer — even if they don’t have a gaming computer. image: https://hs-sbup.thehustle.co/hubfs/The%20Hustle%20News/Assets/Images/472184844-News-Brief_2022-03-04T021021.786Z.webp --- # We tried Amazon Luna and it’s not bad ![Juliet Bennett Rylah](https://53.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/53/assets/hubspot.com/web-team/WBZ/HubSpot%20Media/Blog%202021/Images/Nav/Optimized/TheHustle_Icon_Dark.svg) [Juliet Bennett Rylah](https://hs-sbup.thehustle.co/author/juliet-bennett-rylah) [Juliet Bennett Rylah Twitter profile ](https://twitter.com/JBRylah) Published: March 04, 2022 Updated: October 11, 2023 Cloud gaming has been a [hit](https://thehustle.co/07072021-cloud-gaming/) (Microsoft’s Game Pass) or [miss](https://www.techdirt.com/2022/02/08/google-stadias-failure-is-almost-complete/) (Google’s Stadia). ![We tried Amazon Luna and it’s not bad](https://hs-sbup.thehustle.co/hs-fs/hubfs/The%20Hustle%20News/Assets/Images/472184844-News-Brief_2022-03-04T021021.786Z.webp?width=595&height=400&name=472184844-News-Brief_2022-03-04T021021.786Z.webp) So when Amazon took its gaming platform out of early access for US users this week, we gave it a shot. #### **How it works** Luna is a cloud-based subscription that allows you to stream games to your device, similar to Nvidia’s GeForce — except GeForce only lets you [stream games](https://www.pocket-lint.com/games/news/nvidia/131715-what-is-nvidia-geforce-now-and-what-are-the-differences-on-shield-tv-pc-and-mac) you already own. Luna lets you choose from a library of games for one monthly fee. And unlike gaming distribution platforms such as Steam or GOG, you don’t have to download or install the titles. #### **So, what can you play?** First, you’ll need a solid internet connection or cloud streaming is not in your future. After that: - Prime members get a rotating handful of games for free - For $5.99/mo., Luna+ users get a library of 100+ games - Add-ons include a family channel ($2.99/mo.), a retro channel, and a Jackbox channel full of party games (both $4.99/mo.) - A Ubisoft+ (“Far Cry,” “Assassin’s Creed”) subscription is $17.99/mo. #### **But is it worth it?** If you’re a casual gamer who wants to play without shelling out big bucks on a gaming computer or individual games, sure. For example, I tried 4 games that aren’t exactly cheap on Steam: - “The Medium” ($49.99) - “Yakuza 0”* *($19.99) - “Observer: System Redux” ($29.99) - “Devil May Cry 5” ($29.99) And while many games are Windows-only, Luna worked with only minor lag on my MacBook Pro with a USB-connected Xbox controller. (FWIW, Amazon’s Luna controller connects to servers on its own and reduces lag, per *PC Mag*’s [review](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/amazon-luna).) Other reviewers had success with tablets and [phones](https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/17/cnn-underscored/amazon-luna-review/index.html), though nothing seemed compatible with my Pixel. All in all, it’s not a bad deal — and a possible boon to the once-murky future of cloud gaming. 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