As we mentioned, the pricing for Luna operates a little differently than other streaming services. Rather than paying a single subscription fee, Luna splits up its library into a handful of channels, ranging from free with a Prime membership to $17.99 for Ubisoft+, which compiles the publisher‘s extended library. Just because you don’t need a console or dedicated gaming PC doesn’t mean there aren’t any requirements, as you do need a compatible device—these include a Windows or Mac PC, Android devices, iPhones, iPads, and Fire TV gear. (The complete list of compatible devices can be found here.) Chances are that you already own at least one device that Luna supports. The kicker, however, is that you also need an internet connection capable of a steady 10 Mbps or higher. That doesn’t sound like a lot, especially if you’re used to downloading games on consoles or PC, but you’d be surprised how a connection can dip as you add more and more devices connected to your network. We recommend avoiding other bandwidth-hogging activities while using Luna at the bare minimum. I tested Luna across various devices, including a MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Fire TV Stick 4K. It was easy to get up and running on every one of my devices and was especially fun on the iPad Pro because I could quickly launch a game while writing this review. This broad compatibility is incredibly convenient because you can swap among all your devices at will and not lose a step. Play on your computer, save your progress, then head out the door and pick things up where you left off on your phone. Still, that inconsistency highlights one of the biggest hurdles cloud gaming has to contend with as it searches for a larger audience. Connection issues—being able to deliver the promised fidelity without technical issues—has been a massive hurdle for streaming to date. So far, Luna seems just as stuck in the quagmire as its competitors, if not more so.
The Luna Controller is great …
You will probably want to bring your controller to the mix, no matter your device. If you have a Bluetooth controller or wireless mouse and keyboard, that will do the trick. (In a pinch, you can even use on-screen controls on your mobile device.) The Luna Controller, however, offers the best experience because it cuts down on latency and makes switching between devices effortless. Taking aesthetic cues from the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, the Luna Controller has a nice heft and features textured grips that make it comfortable to hold over longer gaming sessions. The buttons and triggers are nice and clicky and the dual offset analog thumbsticks feel precise. If I had to complain, the D-pad feels mushy, which isn’t ideal for certain games. Also, it relies on two AA batteries for power, which generates e-waste (though you can offset some with rechargeable batteries). It is especially jarring in this case since the controller has a USB-C port. Using Wi-Fi instead of Bluetooth also makes it easy to jump from one screen to another without needing to pair and re-pair. Jumping seamlessly between devices is impressive and I have yet to encounter any issues.
… but the library of games is fairly thin.
The other channels offer a hodge-podge of more specific game libraries, such as a $4.99-per-month Family Channel full of kid-friendly games or a Retro Channel with remasters and older game collections for $4.99 per month. There are also two brand-specific options: the Jackbox Channel, offering access to the complete series of perennial party games for $4.99 per month, and Ubisoft+, for a substantial $17.99 per month. The different channels cater to different audiences and provide a nice balance of content. I enjoyed Luna+ and Ubisoft+, but the Retro Channel was my favorite, offering games I grew up playing. It takes me back to when I would spend my summers at the arcade playing Metal Slug 3, Street Fighter II, and 1943. It’s a nice jolt of nostalgia for only $4.99 per month; I suspect the Retro Channel will appeal to other gamers who grew up in arcades. Luna’s library will be the most significant question mark moving forward. While there’s a decent mix of genres, the library may lack the sheer volume of titles found on services like Xbox Game Pass and Sony’s upcoming PlayStation Plus Premium subscription. The Luna Plus Channel features approximately 100 games, which should keep subscribers busy for a while. Still, it’s not nearly as robust as Xbox Cloud Gaming, which is $14.99 per month and offers over 400 titles and more recently released titles. Luna+ has a few big hits from the last few years—including Control, Resident Evil 7, and Devil May Cry 5—but, generally, lacks timely releases from major studios. At best, it positions itself as a grab-bag for people who like the idea of having access to games but aren’t invested in the specifics of what they’re playing. Luna could become an enticing option for lapsed or casual players who want to play some games but have little interest in buying hardware or playing new games. The service usually works well across devices you already own, especially if you pair it with the Luna Controller. If you don’t own a console or want to test the waters of cloud gaming, $6 to $10 per month is a much easier pill to swallow than spending nights and weekends scouring sites for a PS5.
