Amazon Luna vs. Xbox Game Pass: What's the Difference?

For the major tech companies, the next evolution in video games isn't through new consoles, but rather through the cloud. Microsoft is using its Xbox library and platform as a foundation to turn Xbox Game Pass into a formidable streaming service, currently named "Cloud gaming (Beta) with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate." Meanwhile, newcomers to video games like Amazon and Google are entering the space, with Amazon launching their Luna game streaming service.

With the race for a top Netflix-like game streaming service in its early stages, here is what you need to know to compare Amazon Luna and Xbox Game Pass.

Overall Findings

Microsoft's game streaming offering is built on the Xbox Game Pass library and the company's Project xCloud technology. Through the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate plan, subscribers can stream most games from the extensive Xbox Game Pass catalog on their phone at no additional cost. Conversely, Amazon Luna is not included with an Amazon Prime subscription. Instead, players will have to subscribe to a separate Luna+ plan.

What both Luna and Game Pass have in common is the fact that users do not have to purchase games separately. While subscribers do not "own" the games they play through these services, they will have free access to these catalogs as long as their subscriptions are active. Where Luna and Game Pass diverge are the breadth and depth of their game libraries and on which devices these users can play them on.

Games Library: Each Service Has Their Own Niche

Microsoft has accumulated an extended list of games for Xbox Game Pass over the year, with all titles from Xbox Game Studios available alongside numerous third-party games. Fans of Halo, Gears of War, Forza Motorsport, and other Xbox-exclusive titles will be able to play all of their favorite games at no additional cost. Similar to video streaming services like Netflix, these third-party titles come in and out of Xbox Game Pass due to business deals.

The Xbox team boasts over 200 titles on Xbox Game Pass, and "most" of these games are available to stream. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will also begin to incorporate games from the EA Play service as part of a deal, giving Xbox owners the ability to stream EA's selection of sports, racing, and action titles.

Amazon does not have the two decades of game publishing experience as Microsoft, but the tech giant has still struck deals with prominent game publishers and indie game developers to build their own library. Popular blockbuster games such as Control, Resident Evil 7, and Metro Exodus are amongst the offerings of the Luna+ game channel. Indie games including Overcooked 2 and Furi also diversify the library.

Unlike Xbox Game Pass, Luna offers additional game channels from other publishers. The first of these channels is from Ubisoft, which will include AAA games such as Watch Dogs Legion and Assassin's Creed Valhalla in their game channel. However, these separate channels require their own subscription plans.

Device Support: With Workarounds Luna Supports More Devices

Upon the respective launches of Xbox Game Pass streaming and Amazon Luna, neither service have any overlapping supported devices. While both services will expand over time, any consumer looking to try out both Game Pass and Luna will need more than one machine to do so.

When Microsoft ran the Project xCloud beta as a prelude to game streaming on Xbox Game Pass, the service supported both Android and iOS devices. When cloud gaming for Game Pass launched, Android phones remained the only platform that supported the service. Due to Apple App Store guidelines, Xbox Game Pass streaming is unavailable on iOS devices. Microsoft has stated that cloud streaming for Xbox Game Pass will eventually come to Xbox consoles and PC.

Amazon Luna will work around the App Store guidelines by offering its streaming services through a web app; hence, Luna will be playable on iPhone and iPad. However, Luna will not support Android on launch. Luna will also be available to use a native Luna app on PC, Mac, and Amazon's own Fire TV devices. PC and Mac users can play on their Google Chrome browser.

Internet Requirements: Both Have Good Speeds, Luna Can Be a Data Hog

Data caps are a valid concern for anyone considering playing games exclusively through online streaming. Both Amazon Luna and Xbox Game pass are possible to play on with 5 GHz Wi-Fi or mobile data connections. 2.4 GHz connections are possible, but 5 GHz remains recommended for both services, as 2.4 GHz networks may have latency issues.

Both Luna and Game pass require a 10 Mbps down connection speed. Amazon notes, however, that 4K gameplay will require a connection speed that is at least 35 Mbps. You'll need a fast internet connection to experience high resolutions.

Amazon lists that Luna's data usage goes "up to" 10GB per hour when playing games in 1080p, though there isn't any official information on data usage for 4K games as of yet.

Controller Input: Even Controller Support Is Different

Naturally, Xbox users can use their existing Xbox One game controller for Xbox Game Pass streaming. However, only Xbox controllers that came with or after the Xbox One S will be compatible, as Xbox controllers from there on out are Bluetooth-enabled. This will include the controllers that come with Xbox One X, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S.

Microsoft also touts specific third-party controllers that are designed specifically for Xbox Game Pass streaming. The MOGA XP5-X Plus Bluetooth Controller resembles a traditional Xbox controller, but it includes a clip for your Android phone and a power bank. Razer Kishi attaches controllers to the side of your phone, making your device resemble a Nintendo Switch. And the SBitDo SN30 Pro is a "retro-style" controller that also includes a mobile device clip.

Meanwhile, Amazon has designed their own Luna controller, with many of the same buttons and design features as an Xbox or Nintendo Switch Pro controller. Rather than connecting via Bluetooth, the Luna controller connects directly to Amazon's game servers via Wi-fi. The controller also has an Alexa button for voice assistant features. Players can use the controller between any supported devices without interruption.

Otherwise, Luna users can also utilize an Xbox One controller, a PlayStation DualShock 4 controller, or a mouse and keyboard. Luna controller owners can use their controller through Bluetooth or USB connection for other devices, but it will be incompatible with other game consoles.

Graphical Performance: Luna Offers Better Quality

All game streaming services make a point to mention that games run on their own custom servers, rather than your local device. In theory, companies like Amazon and Microsoft believe that this will allow them to deliver high-quality graphics to your devices, provided your internet connection is compatible.

When Microsoft's Project xCloud was in beta, the service only supported a resolution of 720p at 60Hz. Games may have appeared blurrier than they would on television, but this provided some smooth frame rates.

On the other hand, Amazon claims that Luna can support 1080p resolutions and 60 frames-per-second from the get-go. The team behind Luna also mentions that "select titles" will have 4K support, but this will not be possible for launch.

Final Verdict: The Newcomer vs. The Establishment

When looking at technical specs on paper, Amazon Luna might look more technically impressive compared to Xbox Game Pass. And while Amazon is not necessarily a brand associated with video games, the company is more of a mainstream household name. At the same time, Microsoft has nearly two decades of experience in the video game business through the Xbox brand. As such, Xbox already has a massive built-in audience and a large foundation to work off of.

Microsoft envisions Xbox as an ecosystem across consoles, PC, and mobile devices—regardless of which device you use, Microsoft wants to give you access to the same library. And the Xbox Game Pass library is a force to be reckoned with, growing by the week and having high value for a relatively modest price. More casual players of games who aren't invested in the Xbox or even PlayStation and Nintendo consoles might have to consider Amazon Luna as their start into home gaming. However, those who already own consoles and subscribe to Xbox Game Pass are more likely to try Microsoft's game streaming feature rather than subscribing to a new service like Amazon Luna.