In a strategic move aimed at enticing gamers and hardware enthusiasts, AMD has announced an exclusive game bundle promotion featuring Capcom’s highly anticipated title, Monster Hunter Wilds. The standard edition of the game will be available as a complimentary digital copy for customers who purchase qualifying AMD Ryzen processors, Radeon graphics cards, or gaming laptops powered by Team Red. This latest promotional campaign follows AMD’s previous fall 2024 initiative, which bundled Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 and Unknown 9: Awakening with select hardware.
Promotion Details and Eligible Hardware
The latest AMD Rewards campaign, revealed earlier today, includes a range of AMD desktop CPUs and Radeon RX 7000 series GPUs. However, a notable exclusion from the list is AMD’s 3D V-Cache desktop processors, which typically perform exceptionally well in gaming scenarios. Instead, the promotion includes standard Ryzen SKUs, with the Ryzen 9 9950X topping the lineup. On the GPU side, the eligibility list is limited to current-generation Radeon RX 7000 series graphics cards, with no mention of upcoming next-generation products.
For customers interested in upgrading their gaming laptops, AMD has also extended the promotion to select Ryzen AI-powered notebooks. A variety of ASUS, MSI, HP, and Lenovo models equipped with Ryzen AI 9 300, 7000HX, 7000X3D, 8000, or AI Max series processors qualify for the bundle.
Notable Omissions and Future Adjustments
One of the most glaring omissions from AMD’s promotion is the absence of AM5-based 3D V-Cache processors. Given that these CPUs are among the best gaming chips available, their exclusion raises questions regarding AMD’s promotional strategy. There is also speculation that the list of qualifying products may be amended in the coming days, particularly with the impending announcement of AMD’s Radeon RX 9070 series on February 28.
List of Eligible Products
AMD Ryzen Processors:
- Ryzen 9 9950X
- Ryzen 9 9900X
- Ryzen 7 9700X
- Ryzen 5 9600X (not available in Japan)
- Ryzen 9 7950X
- Ryzen 9 7900X
- Ryzen 7 7700X
- Ryzen 7 7700
AMD Radeon GPUs:
- Radeon RX 7900 XTX
- Radeon RX 7900 XT
- Radeon RX 7800 XT
- Radeon RX 7700 XT
Eligible AMD Ryzen Gaming Laptops:
- ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16
- ASUS ROG Strix G17
- ASUS ROG Strix Scar 17
- ASUS ROG Flow Z13
- HP Victus 16
- MSI Alpha 17
- MSI Stealth A16 AI+
- Lenovo Legion Pro 7 16
- Lenovo Legion Pro 5 16
Industry Response and Performance Concerns
The announcement has sparked discussions within the gaming and tech communities. Outlets such as VideoCardz, and Tom’s Hardware have compiled detailed eligibility lists, allowing prospective buyers to assess their options before making a purchase. Additionally, with Monster Hunter Wilds expected to be a graphically demanding title, multiple sources have advised users to benchmark their hardware in preparation for launch. Early preview builds of the game have reportedly pushed high-end test systems to their limits, emphasizing the need for optimized hardware.
Competing Promotions
Interestingly, ASUS has also introduced a similar marketing campaign featuring Capcom’s Monster Hunter franchise. While the details of ASUS’s promotion remain unclear, this move suggests that major hardware manufacturers are leveraging high-profile game releases to boost sales in an increasingly competitive market.
Our Verdict
AMD’s latest game bundle promotion aligns with the company’s ongoing efforts to provide added value to its customers. With Monster Hunter Wilds set to release on February 28, this promotion presents an opportunity for gamers looking to upgrade their systems while securing a highly anticipated title at no extra cost. However, the absence of 3D V-Cache CPUs from the promotion remains a puzzling choice, and industry analysts will be watching closely to see if AMD expands the list of qualifying products in the near future.
Sources: AMD, Sapphire Nation, VideoCardz, Tom’s Hardware
