amazon luna controller review
The Luna Controller connects to Amazon directly through its own Wi-Fi connection, which Amazon says reduces latency by 17 to 30 milliseconds. You don't need Amazon's controller to play on Luna, but the Luna controller does a good job keeping your gameplay in sync with your input. The sticks, face buttons, and triggers all feel tight and well-made, though the plus-shaped directional pad is a bit spongy rather than clicky. Amazon states that this will reduce latency by 17-30 milliseconds. Amazon Luna controller Although entirely optional, Luna’s $49.99 controller is a great peripheral for the service. Controller Options on Luna There are several methods of controlling Luna, but the primary method is the official Luna controller from Amazon. Factor in its impressive, general gaming chops, and the Amazon Luna Controller rides high an Editors' Choice award-winning gamepad. Our expert industry analysis and practical solutions help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology. It still felt responsive, but the extra input lag was definitely there, making controls feel just a tiny bit more slippery. Introvert. The Amazon Luna Controller is an excellent gamepad, one that contains a dedicated Wi-Fi chip that provides the optimal Luna game-streaming experience. Designed for Amazon Luna - A high-performance controller made for Amazon’s cloud gaming service. Setting up the controller requires the free Luna Controller app, which walks you through connecting it to your Wi-Fi. The standard d-pad, dual thumbstick, 4 face button, 4 bumper/trigger layout is perfect. Powered by Cloud Direct technology - Connects directly to Amazon’s custom game servers when playing on Luna, reducing roundtrip latency by 17 to 30 milliseconds vs. a local Bluetooth connection among Windows PC, Mac, and Fire TV. Ebenezer Robbins November 21, 2020 4 min read. It still felt responsive, but there was definitely an extra input lag and the controls were a bit slippery. https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/amazon-luna-controller, Separate Wi-Fi connection for Amazon Luna, Use as a Bluetooth controller requires installing a separate driver, The Best Sleep Tech for Catching Your ZZZs, Intel 'Bleep' Software Filters Out Toxic Slurs in Voice Chats as You Game. The Alexa-enabled Luna Controller uses Cloud Direct technology, … Tv buff. I installed the driver, and the gamepad worked great with my PC games. The menu button is around a large Luna button that lights up while using the gamepad. One can also get the new wireless Luna controller priced at $49.99 (approximately Rs 3,700) during the early access period for a full experience of the gaming service. You can also use a compatible Bluetooth controller such as DualShock 4 or DualShock Xbox wireless controller, Pair with your desired device and play Amazon Luna games without reducing latency. The build quality is very similar to the Xbox wireless controller. While playing Sonic Mania, Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair, and Control, my inputs were quick and responsive, and the sticks, direction pad, and button all felt good under the thumb. Credit at least part of your performance to Amazon Luna Controller, a $ 49.99 gamepad specially designed for use with Amazon Luna. Can This Facebook Wristband Device Replace a Keyboard and Mouse? Due to the dedicated connection, the Luna Controller automatically worked with Luna on PC and tablet, without needing to juggle device pairing. The Luna Controller connects to Amazon directly through its own Wi-Fi connection, which Amazon says reduces latency by 17 to 30 milliseconds. If you want to use Amazon Luna, you need to purchase Luna Controller. It’s very similar in build quality to the Xbox Wireless Controller. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The Amazon Luna Controller is an excellent gamepad, one that contains a dedicated Wi-Fi chip that provides the optimal Luna game-streaming experience. Factor in … So far Ive been playing on Linux with my chromium browser set to report as chrome on windows, and man its nice. The phone that charges to 100% in less than half an hour. Amazon Luna’s controller sports a remarkably similar shape to the Xbox and has the same button and analog stick layout. Amazon claims that the Luna controller performs better than conventional Bluetooth devices, but Luna will also work with a PS4 or Xbox One controller, any general Bluetooth gamepad, or a … It’s a very solid, black gamepad with dual analog sticks offset in the Xbox style, and A/B/X/Y face buttons arranged in an Xbox layout. This app allows you to connect your controller to Wi-Fi. Given its dual functionality as a cloud gaming and conventional Windows 10 controller, the Amazon Luna Controller now earns our Editors' Choice designation.]. The main benefit of the Amazon Luna controller is that it connects directly to the cloud, which should reduce input latency. Sign up for What's New Now to get our top stories delivered to your inbox every morning. The $50 Amazon Luna controller is similar to the Google Stadia controller in many ways. This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. The Amazon Luna Controller is technically an optional accessory for the service, but we consider it a must-have device if you want to play games through Amazon's cloud. The Luna Controller isn’t as good as a Bluetooth gamepad. Video game controllers in 2020 feel great. Interestingly, the Xbox controller isn’t the only controller that Amazon Luna's looks similar to. For comparison, I played Yooka-Laylee and Impossible Lair on Amazon Luna using an Xbox wireless gamepad. One of its most impressive features is its availability. The controller for Amazon Luna sounded gimmicky: it directly connected to wi-fi, and directly to the games you want to play. If you simply want a dedicated Bluetooth gamepad for PC gaming, the $49.99, Editors' Choice award-wining SN30 Pro+ is a favorite (and it works with the Nintendo Switch), as is the new, $59.99 Xbox Wireless Controller. The Amazon Luna cloud gaming service impresses with its performance and affordability. PCMag, PCMag.com and PC Magazine are among the federally registered trademarks of Ziff Davis, LLC and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. The Luna Controller is excellent, looking and feeling a lot like the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. Diplomas, programs, IT certifications: how numerous points [SCARICA PDF], What does that emoji mean? A great gamepad that enhances the Amazon Luna game service. The Luna+ channel will cost $5.99 per month during Amazon Luna's early access and, although users can play games on the service with any Bluetooth gaming controller, a Luna Controller can … Will Greenwald has been covering consumer technology for a decade, and has served on the editorial staffs of CNET.com, Sound & Vision, and Maximum PC. © 1996-2021 Ziff Davis, LLC. With a dedicated connection, the Luna controller automatically works with Luna on your PC and tablet, eliminating the need to adjust device pairing. You'll need a flagship phone from 2019 or newer to support the specs.So far, Amazon confirms these phones can support Amazon Luna:Google: Pixel 4XL, 4A 5G, 5 … Resembling Nintendo’s Pro controller, the Luna controller is light and sturdy. Dell 27 Curved Gaming Monitor (S2721HGF) Review. The Amazon Luna cloud gaming service impresses with its performance and affordability. The Amazon Luna controller is no different…mostly. Since the gamepad connects separately to the internet, you can instantly play on anything from a web browser to an Amazon Fire TV without juggling controller connections; Luna detects that your gamepad is connected to the internet and immediately sets it to control whatever device is streaming a Luna game. Amazon Luna hands-on: Plays great, less filling. The Luna Controller is excellent, looking and feeling a lot like the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. Your email address will not be published. Subtly charming internet aficionado. A headphone jack … Web advocate. This is a very sturdy black gamepad with dual analog sticks offset in Xbox style and A / B / X / Y face buttons placed in an Xbox layout. Curious about Amazon's new Cloud Gaming Service called Luna? If you prefer, you can also use the gamepad as a standard Bluetooth controller. The Luna Controller connects to Amazon directly through its own Wi-Fi connection, which Amazon says reduces latency by 17 to 30 milliseconds. My new 4k firestick was just delivered as I'm typing so im gonna hook that puppy up with the lan adapter to my 55" and go for broke! The individual Wi-Fi connection allowed us to significantly reduce the waiting time to play all three games through Amazon’s servers. There may be input wrappers or tools to make the Luna Controller easier to use on your PC, but that’s not suitable for most games out of the box. The Amazon Luna Controller is technically an optional accessory for the service, but we consider it a must-have device if you want to play games through Amazon's cloud. Feel free to contact us via our Contact Form, They equipped security officials with uniforms and food, Andrés Giménez Carves a Purpose in First MLB Start off. 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The controller is a well-built and comfortable Bluetooth gamepad, but its real advantage is a separate Wi-Fi connection that significantly reduces input lag when playing Luna games. A pinhole microphone sits above the Luna button, while a microphone button sits below it (so you can use Amazon Alexa with the controller). Travel fanatic. For comparison, I played Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair on Amazon Luna with an Xbox Wireless Gamepad. It doesn’t connect to the device you’re playing the game on, so it removes a point of lag, and claims to directly connect to the game you’re playing. The Amazon Luna Controller is technically an optional accessory for the service, but we consider it a must-have device if you want to play games through Amazon's cloud. The gamepad connects to the Internet individually, so you can play anything from your web browser to Amazon Fire TV right away, without having to adjust your controller’s connection. Menu buttons sit around a big Luna button that lights up when the gamepad is in use. Beer guru. The D-pad is also in the same place as the Xbox controller. The pinhole mic is above the Luna button and below it (so you can use Amazon Alexa with your controller). PCMag.com is a leading authority on technology, delivering Labs-based, independent reviews of the latest products and services. The fact that there’s no need to have the Luna Controller is also lovely. Keep an eye on your inbox! Amazon Luna Controller Review | PCMag. 114 5th Ave New York, Out of the box, the Luna Controller isn't quite as good as a Bluetooth gamepad. I was able to pair it to my PC without any problems, but if I expected most of my PC games to work with an XInput controller such as the Xbox Wireless Controller, it was registered as a general purpose DirectInput Bluetooth gamepad. Will is also a THX Level I home theater expert and ISF Level III-certified TV calibrator, which ensures the thoroughness and accuracy of all PCMag TV reviews. Amazon’s Luna controller is available for $49.99 – or around £38.62 – during the early access period. AirPods Max vs. AirPods Pro: What's Apple's Best Pair of Noise-Cancelling Headphones? Once it’s set up and logged in, you can use the controller to play games over Amazon Luna through any compatible device. PCMag Digital Group. This is configured much like an Xbox controller, with offset thumb sticks, a D-pad on the right, and control buttons on the left. The Amazon Luna Controller is technically an optional accessory for the service, but we consider it a must-have device if you want to play games through Amazon’s cloud. In this video, we review the Amazon Luna Controller and I do have to say, this is an impressive controller. Communicator. The gamepad accepts two AA batteries and has a wired connection and a USB-C port for battery charging (if rechargeable). You can also use a compatible Bluetooth controller, such as the DualShock 4 or Xbox Wireless Controller, paired with your desired device to play Amazon Luna games without the reduced latency. A headphone jack sits on the bottom edge of the gamepad, again like an Xbox Wireless Controller. Amazon Luna Controller is a great gamepad and includes a dedicated Wi-Fi chip that provides the best Luna game streaming experience. You can also use the gamepad as a standard Bluetooth controller, if you wish. Factor in its impressive, general gaming chops, and the Amazon Luna Controller rides high an Editors' Choice award-winning gamepad. If you want to use Amazon Luna, consider the Luna Controller an essential purchase. At $ 49.99, that’s not bad at all. Streaming the gameplay is possible on PC, iPhones, Mac, and Android support may be here soon. I used the Luna Controller extensively to test Amazon Luna, and I was impressed by how well it played. Right now, the only ad you’ll see on Luna is for the controller, but the “Sponsored” tag right above it tells me that Amazon absolutely has plans to put real ads on this service. You can also use the gamepad as a standard Bluetooth controller, if you wish. The last few console generations have brought us close to ergonomic controller perfection. I’ve tested Amazon Luna with extensive use of the Luna Controller and was impressed with its high performance. He currently covers consumer electronics in the PC Labs as the in-house home entertainment expert, reviewing TVs, media hubs, speakers, headphones, and gaming accessories. Factor in … The company's newly hatched cloud gaming service shows promise, but faces more mature and less expensive competitors. The Luna Controller connects to Amazon directly through its own Wi-Fi connection, which Amazon says reduces latency by 17 to 30 milliseconds. Luna Controller connects directly to Amazon via its own Wi-Fi connection. Setting up the controller requires the free Luna Controller app, which walks you through connecting it to your Wi-Fi signal. Here's our review on Luna, what it is, and what you need to get started. Certified alcohol geek. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Amazon is also launching a dedicated controller for the service, which will cost $49.99. The gamepad accepts two AA batteries, and features a USB-C port for wired connections and charging the batteries (if they’re rechargeable). Lori Grunin. While playing Sonic Mania, Yooka-Laylee, Impossible Lair, and Control, the input responded quickly and the sticks, directional pads, and buttons all felt comfortable under my thumb. Credit at least part of your performance to Amazon Luna Controller, a $ 49.99 gamepad specially designed for use with Amazon Luna. Fortunately, Amazon has released a separate driver for the Luna Controller that makes it register as an XInput device over Bluetooth. After setting up and logging in, you can play the game using the controller Amazon Luna Through a compatible device. Credit at least part of the performance to the Amazon Luna Controller, a $49.99 gamepad designed specifically for use with Amazon Luna. OnePlus also reveals the surprise option, Mother’s Embrace ‘opens the Madness on March 23 on PC and consoles, Alienware Introduces First Gaming Laptop with Ultra-Low Profile CHERRY MX Mechanical Keys, Third band in the ATA rating, the definitive TITLE CHART. Amazon’s Luna streaming service has arrived, with the company rolling out early access to a limited set of customers today. Guide to interpreting emoticons | Technology. The luna controller is amazing, no input lag, buttery smoothe. Can't Pair Your Controller via Bluetooth; Amazon Luna Controller Turns off During Gameplay; Reset Your Amazon Luna Controller Amazon Luna Controller has successfully made a lot of difference in its operation and usage. It has a good build and provides responsive control to Amazon’s cloud gaming services. Amazon Luna Cloud gaming service I’m impressed with its performance and affordability. It has an excellent build, and gives Amazon's cloud gaming service responsive controls. SN30 Pro + I like it (and it’s Nintendo switch), The $ 59.99 Xbox wireless controller is no different. The display of third-party trademarks and trade names on this site does not necessarily indicate any affiliation or the endorsement of PCMag. [Editors' Note: Amazon released a driver that improves the Luna Controller when used as a Bluetooth gamepad, which prompted us to reevaluate the our original review and scoring. Required fields are marked *. The sticks, face buttons and triggers all feel tight and well made, but the plus-shaped directional pads are a bit spongy rather than clicky. Credit at least part of the performance to the Amazon Luna Controller, a $49.99 gamepad designed specifically for use with Amazon Luna. Amazon Luna Cloud gaming service I’m impressed with its performance and affordability. NY 10011, United States, Do you have Any Queries? His work and analysis has been seen in GamePro, Tested.com, Geek.com, and several other publications. A pinhole microphone sits above the Luna button, while a microphone button sits below it (so you can use Amazon Alexa with the controller). You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time. For $49.99, that's pretty darned good, and the controller works well as a traditional Bluetooth gamepad. The controller's a well-built and comfortable Bluetooth gamepad, but its real advantage is its separate Wi-Fi connection that significantly reduces input lag when playing Luna games. You need the free Luna Controller app to set up your controller. You can also use it as a wired USB-C controller, or over Bluetooth to your Windows PC. Luna detects that your gamepad is connected to the internet and immediately configures it to control the device that is streaming your Luna game. Keep in mind that it’s not very useful as a standard Bluetooth gamepad unless you’re willing to do something to properly register your input. While I could pair it with my PC just fine, it registered as a generic DirectInput Bluetooth gamepad when the vast majority of PC games expect an XInput controller (like the Xbox Wireless Controller) to function. The Amazon Luna Controller is technically an optional accessory for the service, but we consider it a must-have device if you want to play games through Amazon's cloud. Your subscription has been confirmed. I couldn’t even run the game using the gamepad over Bluetooth using Steam’s common Bluetooth controller compatibility settings. Your email address will not be published. All of this was made easier by Amazon’s Luna controller, which will launch in early access for $49.99. The separate Wi-Fi connection helped ensure very low latency for playing all three games through Amazon's servers. If you need a great Bluetooth gamepad for PC gaming, you’ve won the $ 49.99 Editor’s Choice Award. The headphone jack is located at the bottom of the gamepad, much like an Xbox wireless controller. Amazon promises the Luna controller will gain about a frame of input speed over a direct Wi-Fi connection. If you click an affiliate link and buy a product or service, we may be paid a fee by that merchant. Luna is a cloud gaming service that will be offered by Amazon. The Luna controller is great and looks and feels great Nintendo Switch Pro Controller..