With the rise of cloud gaming services in recent years, Amazon has decided to join in with the release of Luna. Though the technology for cloud gaming remains relatively new, Luna's integration with Amazon Web Services and Twitch have helped separate it from its competitors. Alongside the cloud service, Amazon has also designed the specialized Luna controller, which allows players to utilize a separate Wi-Fi connection to reduce input lag.
While the Amazon Luna is designed with the Luna service in mind, it also stacks up quite well to the PS5 DualSense and Xbox Series X controllers. With the ability to function as a traditional Bluetooth gamepad as well, the Amazon Luna is quite versatile despite its lower price. The Amazon Luna controller not only improves upon the Luna experience but it also remains competitive among other new-gen gamepad models. Players looking for a new controller might want to give the Amazon Luna controller a chance, especially if they plan on using the cloud gaming service at any point.
Amazon Luna Controller Features
Recently, the Amazon Luna service has generated a lot of attention with its accessibility and affordability with the Amazon Luna controller being part of that success. The $49.99 controller is specifically designed to be used with Amazon Luna and it boasts unique features that improve the experience of streaming games. Though it's marketed as optional, it's not an understatement to say that the Amazon Luna controller is a must-have for players who want to use the Luna service.
The most important component of the Amazon Luna controller is that it has a separate Wi-Fi connection which connects directly to Amazon's custom game servers. This helps reduce roundtrip latency by as much as 30ms and this is a vital feature for players planning to use Amazon Luna. Furthermore, the Amazon Luna has the ability to seamlessly switch between multiple devices such as PC, Mac, Fire TV, iPhones, and Androids. Once the Amazon Luna controller has connected to the local network, the Luna app will always recognize the controller and users won't have to re-pair the controller when switching between devices. The ease of use highlights the idea of "pick up and play" on any device and makes the cloud gaming experience more accessible for users.
The Amazon Luna controller also has a few unique features such as Alexa integration. Players who have the Amazon Fire TV will be able to use Alexa to access their games. Although it's a nice addition, it doesn't feel necessary and it's likely just a feature to integrate all Amazon products together. That said, for users who already enjoy Amazon's ecosystem and use Twitch or Fire TV, these extra additions will certainly help make the Amazon Luna controller more appealing.
Amazon Luna Controller Vs. PS5 DualSense and Xbox Series X Controller
The Amazon Luna controller shares a lot of similarities in design with the Xbox Series X controller featuring dual analog sticks that are offset by the D-Pad. Much like the Xbox Series X controller, it also includes A/B/X/Y buttons, two bumpers, and two triggers in the same layout. The Amazon Luna controller also includes a pinhole microphone and an audio port for headphones. Unfortunately, the Amazon Luna controller is powered by two AA batteries and there doesn't seem to be an option for an internal, rechargeable battery despite its USB-C cord.
Though the Amazon Luna controller is designed quite similarly to the Xbox Series X controller, it doesn't share too many similarities with the PS5 DualSense. Like the Xbox Series X controller, there's also no gyroscope or motion sensors built into the Amazon Luna controller which sets it behind the PS5 DualSense. Due to its low price tag of $49.99, the Amazon Luna controller also doesn't have any of the fancy features that the PS5 DualSense has like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.
As the Amazon Luna is running on Windows machines, there's little use for the distinct features that the DualSense brings and it's a good idea to get the basics perfected first. Like many other controllers on the market, the Amazon Luna controller can also function as a traditional Bluetooth gamepad but it does require some drivers and tinkering before being set up on a PC. Ultimately, the Amazon Luna controller won't feel much different from the Xbox Series X or DualSense controllers in a player's hands and its appeal stems from its integration with the Luna service.
The Amazon Luna Controller Stacks Up Well
Despite its striking similarities to the Xbox Series X controller, the Amazon Luna controller has a distinct advantage in its separate Wi-Fi connection. Any users thinking about using Amazon Luna to stream games should look to get one of these controllers as the reduced latency makes a world of difference. While the Amazon Luna controller might not match up to the PS5 DualSense in terms of unique features, it has plenty of versatility in both cloud and PC gaming which helps it stack up nicely against its competitors.
Furthermore, its cheap price tag also makes it an attractive alternative as a Bluetooth gamepad for users who need a controller for their PC. Though it might take some extra steps to setup, its ability to function as a traditional gamepad is quite beneficial outside of the Amazon Luna service. While the Xbox Series X controllers cost $59.99 and the PS5 DualSense controllers cost $69.99, the Amazon Luna controller is only $49.99 and this is a fantastic price point for PC users looking for a gamepad.
As a regular gamepad, the Amazon Luna has enough features and a cheap price tag to stay competitive among the other controllers on the market. However, it really starts to shine when paired together with the Amazon Luna service and its reduced latency features make it a must-have for any Luna users. Though it features a much simpler design when compared to the Xbox Series X or PS5 DualSense controllers, it shouldn't be overlooked by players who are searching for a new controller, especially if they ever want to try out Amazon Luna.