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.