Intel confirms Marvel's Avengers Collector's Edition CPUs: cool packaging, but no game...

midian182

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What just happened? Intel has confirmed more special edition CPUs: the Marvel's Avengers Collector's Edition processors. You would probably expect them to come bundled with the upcoming Marvel's Avengers game, given the timing, but the (neat looking) package explicitly states the game is not included. However, Intel is now promoting a Marvel's Avengers game bundle when you purchase "a qualifying 9th or 10th gen Intel Core i5, i7, or i9 device" from a participating retailer.

Update (Aug 28): Marvel's Avengers is set for release September 4 and if you were planning on buying the game or a new Intel-powered PC, take note that you can probably take advantage of Intel's gaming bundle. The offer runs from August 27 to February 28, 2021, redeemable until March 31, 2021. According to Intel's website, you get the Avengers game for free when you purchase a qualifying 9th or 10th-gen Core i5, i7, or i9 processor device from a participating retailer. For example, MSI is promoting the bundle when you buy a new qualifying laptop under those same terms.

It should be noted however that retailers such as Antonline, Centralcomputer, and B&H Photo (according to Tom's Hardware) appear to be extending this offer to CPU-only purchases.

Amendment: In our original story we noted that Marvel's Avengers Collector's Edition CPUs were no different in terms of hardware and the only difference was the packaging -- but no game was included as explicitly shown in the box. It is now possible Intel will extend the promotion and you will get a redeemable game code with your CPU. After all, AMD does offer Assassin's Creed Valhalla for free when you buy a new Ryzen processor.

Overseas companies were spotted selling Intel processors with Avengers packaging a few weeks ago. They're listed as "KA" models, with the "K" part identifying the unlocked multiplier, and the "A" presumably identifying them as an Avengers Edition. Videocardz discovered the Comet Lake KA chips being sold by a retailer in India. They're slightly cheaper than the standard K variants, though some regions appear to be charging a bit more.

  • Intel Core i9 10900KA---€514.97 (~$609.96)
  • Intel Core i9 10850KA---€476.29 (~$564.14)
  • Intel Core i9 10700KA---€400.08 (~$473.88)
  • Intel Core i9 10600KA---€273.02 (~$323.38)

The Intel Gaming Twitter account has now confirmed these special edition chips. Somewhat surprisingly, they don't come bundled with the Marvel's Avengers game---there's a disclaimer on the box warning "game not included."

It's also noted that specs of the KA CPUs are the same as the standard K models, so the only difference between the two is the packaging, which is designed by muralist Tristan Eaton. That doesn't seem like much, but those intending to buy a Comet Lake chip might opt for a special edition if it's the same price or cheaper.

For those considering the Marvel's Avengers game, one of these Comet Lake chips will be more than sufficient for its CPU demands---the recommended specs ask for an Intel Core i7 4770K or higher.

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On the face of this, it makes no sense... Just a big waste of money for artwork and custom packaging on a redesigned box?

Makes me wonder - is Intel so desperate with how well the Ryzen has been doing lately, that they are resorting to weird marketing schemes to try to make their products the "cool" one to have again? Even in a situation where they aren't even including the game that the marketing is based on? Cause I can't see any other reason for this weird decision, to be honest.
 
I've lived and worked in Silicon Valley since the late 80's.

I've seen ALLOT.

This is one of the STUPIDEST things I have ever seen, and that is saying ALLOT.

To paraphrase "Vrmithrax"; is Intel really this desperate?
 
On the face of this, it makes no sense... Just a big waste of money for artwork and custom packaging on a redesigned box?

Makes me wonder - is Intel so desperate with how well the Ryzen has been doing lately, that they are resorting to weird marketing schemes to try to make their products the "cool" one to have again? Even in a situation where they aren't even including the game that the marketing is based on? Cause I can't see any other reason for this weird decision, to be honest.

I had the same thought. They must be really desperate.
 
Is there any way that this particular marketing makes sense, without a game included? No one can tell you have an Avengers CPU in your box, unless you put a sticker on the outside to let your friends that you fell for the promotion.
Well, you can tell everyone in the forums / comments section that you have one.
 
LOL .... it's like throwing a change up after two fastballs ..... just couldn't be any more obvious .....
 
On the face of this, it makes no sense... Just a big waste of money for artwork and custom packaging on a redesigned box?

Makes me wonder - is Intel so desperate with how well the Ryzen has been doing lately, that they are resorting to weird marketing schemes to try to make their products the "cool" one to have again? Even in a situation where they aren't even including the game that the marketing is based on? Cause I can't see any other reason for this weird decision, to be honest.
I think the answer to this is an obvious YES
 
Perfect opportunity for AMD to reinforce its position and messaging by producing a similar package, only at less cost and with 4 game copies included.
Well if rebranding works elsewhere, why not? :laughing:
 
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Is there any way that this particular marketing makes sense, without a game included? No one can tell you have an Avengers CPU in your box, unless you put a sticker on the outside to let your friends that you fell for the promotion.
Considering the type of **** merch people buy I wouldn't be surprised if people buy these CPUs just to put it in their room next to their Avengers figurine without even opening it.
 
They're trolling AMD is what they're doing. Showing that even with inferior products at higher prices, their branding keeps them thoroughly in the game. Consumer ignorance and brand loyalty are still more than enough to keep Intel viable.
 
Avengers assemble! Hang on, game not included. Please buy that before assembling.

Intel will need to do better than just giving a fancy box art that will end up in the chute or storeroom.
 
Considering the type of **** merch people buy I wouldn't be surprised if people buy these CPUs just to put it in their room next to their Avengers figurine without even opening it.
Is there any way that this particular marketing makes sense, without a game included? No one can tell you have an Avengers CPU in your box, unless you put a sticker on the outside to let your friends that you fell for the promotion.
Well you could have a stunning rgb setup and its not like anyone online or people your playing against care or give a crap about that either.
 
Is there any way that this particular marketing makes sense, without a game included? No one can tell you have an Avengers CPU in your box, unless you put a sticker on the outside to let your friends that you fell for the promotion.
sIntel used to have an Intel Inside sticker in the box with their CPUs. Maybe they updated it for this :laughing:
 
Back in my day when a product was featured with something like a game on its cover like xbox for example.. you actually got said product or a code for it when you purchased it, but these days they can sell you TV's with an PS5 on the box even though it doesnt include it.

Almost like... False Advertising tactics..
 
Karen Walker, Bob Swan, Michael Mayberry all need the sack. Self inflating paychecks and poor delivery.
 
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