By Mark Sammut
Amazon Luna makes gaming simple, but players will still need an input device. What controllers are supported by the cloud gaming service?
Quick Links
- Luna Controller
- Compatible Third-Party Controllers
Amazon Luna has officially joined the streaming market, offering people access to a wide range of games split into various channels. Ease-of-use is a major selling point of cloud gaming, as a user does not need a high-end PC or a PS5 to access Amazon Luna's library. It is the ultimate pick up and play gaming service.
However, subscribers will need a controller or an input device to use Amazon Luna, regardless of whether they are streaming through their PC or Fire TV. Here are the controllers that are confirmed to be compatible with Amazon Luna.
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Luna Controller
- Price:$69.99
Amazon Luna has an official controller, one designed to take advantage of the cloud gaming service's portability. Along with supporting Bluetooth and USB connections, this controller is predominantly marketed as a wireless option that connects to Amazon Luna through the Wi-Fi. This service is called Cloud Direct.
Here are a couple of important things to know about the Amazon Luna Controller:
- It uses two AA batteries.
- Permitting its drivers are installed on the PC, the controller can be used to play non-Luna games.
- To pair it via Bluetooth, press the O and B buttons together.
- Using Bluetooth, the controller can connect directly to a Fire TV.
- If connected via Cloud Direct, the controller should continue to work even if the Luna user swaps the platform they are using to stream games. This happens because Cloud Direct connects the controller to Amazon's servers rather than the PC or device being used to run Luna.
- The central Luna button changes colors depending on the controller's current connection. For instance, a solid Purple circle means that the controller is connected to Cloud Direct (Wi-Fi) but not Luna. Amazon has all the colors listed on this page.
Luna Controller App
For the Amazon Luna Controller to work, subscribers will need to download the Luna Controller app from the Play Store of Apple Store on their mobile devices. Once the app is installed, players can set up their controller to take advantage of Cloud Direct, which is the recommended connection method by Amazon.
- Turn on the controller and hold the Luna (center) button until the light turns orange.
- Launch the Luna Controller app.
- Log into your Amazon account.
- Follow the app's steps until it registers the controller.
- Once the app finishes setting up the controller, players should be able to use the accessory to play Luna games.
Compatible Third-Party Controllers
While an argument can be made that the Amazon Luna Controller enhances the overall experience, the device is by no means required to enjoy the service. Accessibility is a big part of the cloud gaming movement, so it makes sense that Luna tries not to restrict subscribers when it comes to their selection of controllers. However, at the moment, only a handful of input devices are fully supported by Amazon Luna.
Keyboard & Mouse
Nobody said Amazon Luna only works with a controller. PC and Mac users can stick to their keyboard and mouse set-up if they prefer, and there are some games, such as Hard Reset Redux and Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun, that could benefit from the added precision provided by a pointer.
On a game's Luna page, there will be written if it supports a keyboard and mouse alongside a controller. Also, it is possible to switch back and forth between a controller and keyboard and mouse in the middle of a play session.
Xbox One Controller
Out of all the possible input devices out there, PC owners are probably most likely to own an Xbox controller (besides keyboard and mouse, obviously). Amazon Luna specifically mentions that it is compatible with the Xbox One controller, and the third-party device connects effortlessly with the service.
Once the Xbox One controller is connected via Bluetooth or USB to the computer, players just need to launch the Luna app or visit its Amazon page on a compatible browser. To confirm Luna recognizes the controller, go to Settings → Controllers and the device should be listed under Available Controllers.
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PlayStation 4 DualShock 4 Wireless Controller
.jpg "Amazon Luna: Which Controllers Can You Use? (6)")
The only other third-party controller confirmed to be compatible with Amazon Luna is the DualShock 4, which should sync up with the service seamlessly. This can be done through Bluetooth or a USB cable, and the DualShock 4 should appear in the same menu as the Xbox One controller.
If streaming Luna through a Fire TV, the Xbox One or DualShock 4 controllers will need to be paired with the device. On the Fire TV, go to Controllers & Bluetooth Devices → Game Controllers → Add New Game Controller. Active the controller's Bluetooth pairing function and a new Wireless Controller option will appear. Select that and the devices should be synced.
What About Other Controllers?
The Luna, Xbox One, and DualShock 4 are the only controllers that should provide no issues with Amazon's service, but other input devices can still work. For example, an Xbox 360 controller was tested for the purpose of this article, and it functioned well with Luna.
Other third-party controllers are unpredictable, as they might lack some functions necessary to be fully compatible with Amazon Luna. Basically, if someone has a controller available, they should try it before going out to purchase a DualShock 4.
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