New Amazon Luna app is like ‘Netflix for games’ – and you DON’T need a console

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AMAZON is finally unleashing its cloud gaming service to the masses.

The Seattle tech giant has opened up access to its Luna platform, dubbed “Netflix for games”, to try for free in the US.

Amazon Luna is a cloud gaming service that lets you stream titles over the internet

Previously, Luna was only available as part of closed early tests that required an invitation to access.

It’s now available on select FireTV devices without an invite, Amazon wrote in a blog post on Tuesday.

“Adding more customers to early access helps us continue to improve gaming experiences,” Amazon said.

“We are just getting started and hope you will join us in making Luna even better!”

Luna is up against a growing number of cloud streaming services including Google’s Stadia

Luna is a cloud gaming service that lets you play games with no console – by streaming the visuals over the internet, like Netflix.

The system processes game visuals at big data centres, so you can play games with high-end graphics on almost any device.

It’s up against a growing number of cloud streaming services including Google’s Stadia and Microsoft’s Xbox Games Pass.

Anyone signing up to Luna gets a seven-day free trial to the Luna+ Channel before monthly billing kicks in.

Luna+ currently comes with 50 games and costs $5.99 a month. Titles available include Control, Metro Exodus, Sonic Mania, and GRiD.

According to Amazon, users can get access to Luna on Fire TV by simply downloading the app.

Fire TV devices compatible with the service include the Fire TV Stick Lite, Fire TV Stick (2nd & 3rd generation) and Fire TV Stick 4K.

You can check out the full list of compatible devices here.

Amazon opened up early access to Luna in October, and is now widening its user base as it heads towards a full, global launch.

At the moment there is no pricing information for the UK and prospective UK users cannot request early access.

To play, users need to invest in a dedicated Amazon Luna Controller which currently costs $70 (£50).

Amazon is a new player in cloud gaming, a field that has plenty of hurdles to overcome before turning gamers away from their consoles.

Early adopters have complained of stuttering gameplay and long loading times unless your system is backed by pricey high-speed WiFi.

The relative lack of top-end titles available on services like Stadia has also proven to be a sore spot among gamers.

In other news, Microsoft recently released fixes for 83 security vulnerabilities.

A new tool called “Bufferi.ng” claims it can help people fake a bad video call connection so you can take a break from meetings.

And, a WhatsApp bug could let total strangers join your group chats and steal your phone number.

What do you make of Luna? Let us know in the comments…