NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 5090 rollout has launched into what can only be described as a frenzy, marked by a significant inventory shortage that’s led to mounting frustration among eager buyers.
NVIDIA’s Top-tier RTX Blackwell Graphics Card Sees Massive Demand, Sparking Buyer Frustration Due to Limited Stock
We’ve previously warned our readers that NVIDIA’s new RTX Blackwell GPUs would enter the market with unusually limited stock. This wasn’t hidden; NVIDIA had made this clear before releasing the initial round of units. However, the consumer excitement seems to have soared beyond expectations. What we’re now witnessing is "inventory chaos" across retailers, with some particularly chaotic scenes unfolding in Japan. According to reports from a local source, @sarasteam0151, Japanese consumers keen on snagging an NVIDIA RTX 5090 have gone to extremes, resulting in some unrest during the launch.
In an effort to manage the demand fairly and prevent scalpers from hogging all the stock, Japanese retailers adopted a "lottery" system for early buyers of the GeForce RTX 5090. Yet, this approach seems to have missed the mark. It sparked such turmoil that some frustrated customers resorted to scaling a nearby kindergarten fence to voice their irritation.
The retail situation isn’t any better in the United States, where stores like MicroCenter reportedly received RTX 5090 units in painfully low single-digit quantities. This scenario is exacerbated by the fact that determined enthusiasts began camping outside retail locations days before the official launch, making it virtually impossible for the everyday buyer to get their hands on these coveted GPUs. This scenario is undeniably disheartening for those looking forward to securing an RTX Blackwell on launch day.
So, why are stocks so low? The introduction of GDDR7 memory modules in NVIDIA’s new line-up seems to be a major factor behind this shortage. Additionally, with board partners seeing slim profit margins with the RTX 50 series GPUs, they’ve been motivated to sell their inventory at prices exceeding the suggested retail value, contributing to the current state of chaos. We advise consumers to be patient and let stocks replenish, a process which might stretch over several weeks. By that time, AMD’s RX 9070 series GPUs could also hit the shelves, offering more options to gamers.
