Luna Controller + FREE 1-month Luna Premium (new subscriber offer)
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AI Verdict
This is a cloud-gaming controller with WiFi, Bluetooth, and USB-C connectivity, best for Amazon Luna users who prioritize low-latency streaming.
This controller is a situational fit because its primary advantage, Cloud Direct WiFi for low-latency Luna gaming, is specific to Amazon's cloud service. While it offers Bluetooth and USB connectivity, its lack of a built-in rechargeable battery and potential Bluetooth instability make it less appealing as a general-purpose controller. It's a strong choice if you're deep into the Luna ecosystem, but less so otherwise.
If you need a more versatile controller for PC or other platforms, look for models with built-in rechargeable batteries and Hall effect joysticks for better longevity and precision.
Regret Score™
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Pros
- Connects directly to Amazon’s custom game servers via Cloud Direct WiFi, reducing round-trip latency by 17 to 30 milliseconds compared to local Bluetooth connections.
- Works across a wide range of devices including Windows, Mac, Fire TV, Fire tablet, iPhone, iPad, Chromebook, Android devices, and select Samsung/LG smart TVs.
- Features a 3.5mm headphone jack for audio output.
- Offers seamless screen switching, allowing you to pause a game on one device and resume on another.
- Has a textured grip and an ergonomic shape, with an asymmetric thumbstick layout similar to an Xbox controller.
- Includes rumble motors and a built-in Alexa microphone button.
Cons
- Requires two AA batteries for power, lacking a built-in rechargeable battery.
- Some users report intermittent Bluetooth disconnections during gameplay.
- The directional pad is described by some as "mushy" or "spongy" rather than clicky.
- Does not include motion controls or Hall effect sticks.
- The included 1-month Luna Premium subscription can activate immediately upon purchase, potentially wasting part of the free period.
Dimension Scores
The controller features an ergonomic shape with a textured grip and an asymmetric thumbstick layout, feeling similar to an Xbox controller.
Users describe the controller as having a 'good weight' and 'firm plastic' that 'doesn't feel cheap,' with tactile buttons and triggers.
The controller has no physical adjustability features like swappable components or adjustable trigger stops, common in higher-end gaming peripherals.
The materials used are described as feeling 'good' and 'not cheap,' with a textured grip on the handles and thumbsticks.
Best For
- Playing Amazon Luna cloud games on Fire TV or Fire tablets with minimal input lag.
- Gamers who frequently switch between different screens (PC, phone, TV) while playing Luna games.
- Users who prefer the feel and button layout of an Xbox-style controller.
- Anyone looking for a controller with a 3.5mm headphone jack for private audio.
Not Recommended For
- Gamers who require a built-in rechargeable battery or motion controls.
- Users primarily playing local multiplayer games on Luna, as some titles may require phones instead of multiple controllers.
- Individuals who do not have a 5GHz WiFi connection for optimal cloud gaming performance.
Watch Out For
- The free 1-month Luna Premium subscription can start the moment you buy the controller, not when you actually set it up, meaning you might lose some of that free time.
- If you're trying to play local multiplayer on Luna, some games force you to use phones for split-screen instead of multiple Luna controllers, and Amazon doesn't make that clear upfront.
- Connecting the controller via USB to a PC can hijack your audio, forcing you to manually change Windows sound settings to get game audio back through your speakers or headphones.
- You'll need to buy a USB-C cable separately if you want to play wired or charge rechargeable AA batteries, as it only comes with the controller and two disposable AAs.
- Bluetooth connectivity can be spotty for some, with reports of intermittent disconnections even when other Bluetooth devices work fine.
What Buyers Say
The biggest head-scratcher with this controller is how Amazon handles the free Luna Premium month; multiple people mentioned it starting the second they bought it, not when they actually got to play. Beyond that, the Cloud Direct WiFi connection for Luna games is a standout, genuinely cutting down on lag, which is huge for cloud gaming. But then you hit the wall with the AA batteries and some Bluetooth flakiness, which feels a bit dated for a modern controller. Also, if you're hoping for local multiplayer with friends, be warned that some Luna games force you to use phones instead of multiple controllers, which is a real bummer.
“I bought this for Luna, and the WiFi connection is legit fast, but seriously, AA batteries in 2024? And my 'free month' started before I even opened the box, what a rip-off.”
Common Praise
- The Cloud Direct WiFi connection makes playing Luna games feel much more responsive due to reduced input lag.
- It feels comfortable in hand with a textured grip and an ergonomic design, often compared to an Xbox controller.
- The buttons and triggers are responsive and have a satisfying click.
- The ability to seamlessly switch gameplay between different devices like a Fire TV and a tablet is super convenient.
- The inclusion of a standard 3.5mm headphone jack is a practical feature.
Common Complaints
- It runs on AA batteries, and a lot of us wish it had a built-in rechargeable battery.
- Bluetooth connection can be unreliable, sometimes disconnecting mid-game even when other devices are fine.
- The D-pad feels a bit soft or mushy, lacking a crisp, clicky response.
- The free Luna Premium month often starts immediately upon purchase, not when you activate the controller, so you lose some of that free time.
- Some Luna games don't support local multiplayer with multiple controllers, forcing players to use phones for split-screen instead.
Ownership Tips
- You'll burn through AA batteries faster than you think if you game a lot; investing in rechargeable AAs is almost a must.
- If you're using it with a PC via USB, be ready to dive into your sound settings because it tries to take over your audio.
- The seamless screen switching is actually pretty slick, it really does just pick up where you left off.
- The Luna Premium game library, even with the free month, might not be as extensive as you'd hope, especially if you're used to other cloud services.
- While it works with Bluetooth, the Cloud Direct WiFi for Luna is where it truly shines; the difference in responsiveness is noticeable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Luna Controller have a rechargeable battery?
No, the Luna Controller uses two AA batteries for power. It does not have a built-in rechargeable battery.
Can I use this controller with devices other than Amazon Luna?
Yes, you can use it via Bluetooth with Windows, Mac, Fire TV, Fire tablet, iPhone, iPad, Chromebook, Android devices, and select Samsung/LG smart TVs.
How does the WiFi connection work?
The controller connects directly to Amazon's cloud gaming servers via WiFi using Cloud Direct technology, which reduces input lag for Luna games.
Is a USB-C cable included with the controller?
No, the controller comes with two AA batteries but you will need to purchase a USB-C cable separately for wired play or charging rechargeable AA batteries.
Does the Luna Premium subscription automatically renew?
Yes, after the initial 1-month free period, your subscription will auto-renew monthly at $9.99 plus any applicable taxes. You can cancel it.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at a cloud gaming controller like this, the most important thing is how it talks to the game servers. This Luna controller uses WiFi to connect directly to Amazon's servers, which is a big deal for cutting down on the delay between when you press a button and when something happens on screen. Think of it like a super-fast direct line versus a slightly slower, more roundabout connection. You also need to consider how you'll power it and what other devices you want to use it with.
Cloud Direct Technology (WiFi)
This is the controller's secret sauce for Luna. Instead of connecting to your device (like a phone or TV) via Bluetooth and then your device sending that input to the cloud, the controller sends your commands directly to Amazon's game servers over WiFi. This shaves off crucial milliseconds of input lag, making cloud gaming feel more like playing on a local console.
AA Battery Power
Unlike many modern controllers with built-in rechargeable batteries, this one runs on two AA batteries. This means you'll either be buying a lot of disposable batteries or investing in rechargeable AAs and a charger. It's a trade-off: quick swaps if batteries die, but an ongoing cost or extra gear to manage.
Multi-device Compatibility
This controller isn't just for Luna on a Fire TV; it works with a ton of devices like PCs, Macs, phones, and tablets. This means you can use one controller for a variety of gaming setups, whether you're streaming Luna or playing a local game via Bluetooth.
Alternatives
If this controller doesn't quite fit, look for controllers with built-in rechargeable batteries, Hall effect joysticks for better durability, and robust Bluetooth 5.0 or higher for more stable wireless connections across various devices.
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