NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 5090 launch has kicked off with a mix of high excitement and growing frustration due to an unexpected shortage in stock. This flagship GPU from NVIDIA has sparked immense demand, and the lack of sufficient inventory is leaving eager buyers in a state of discontent.
To our readers, we’ve previously discussed how NVIDIA’s newest RTX Blackwell GPUs were expected to hit the market with notably low inventory levels. Even though NVIDIA had set expectations by announcing limited availability before releasing the first batch, the overwhelming consumer anticipation has led to what can only be described as “inventory chaos.” The situation is particularly tense in Japan, where, according to Twitter user @sarasteam0151, enthusiasts of the RTX 5090 have resorted to somewhat drastic measures during its launch.
In Japan, retailers attempted to curb the chaos by implementing a lottery system for the initial buyers of the GeForce RTX 5090, aiming to avoid these premium GPUs falling into the hands of scalpers. However, it seems this strategy has not quite hit the mark. Reports indicate that the launch event witnessed quite a stir among the impatient buyers, with some even taking the extreme step of climbing the fence of a nearby kindergarten to express their frustration.
The frenzy isn’t limited to Japan. In the United States, the situation appears equally tense. Stores like MicroCenter have reportedly received only a handful of RTX 5090 units, leaving many potential customers empty-handed. Enthusiastic buyers have been camping for days outside these retail locations, but this hasn’t guaranteed them the coveted GPU, turning the launch into a disappointing affair for those hoping for a day-one purchase.
The reason behind these exceptionally low inventory levels largely involves NVIDIA’s use of GDDR7 memory modules in the RTX 5090, which has significantly impacted supply. On top of that, AIB partners are dealing with slim profit margins on the RTX 50 series GPUs, pushing them to sell at prices above the MSRP. This has added another layer of complexity to an already tumultuous launch. For now, our recommendation to consumers is to exercise patience, as restocking could take several weeks. During this waiting period, we might start seeing AMD’s RX 9070 series hitting the shelves, potentially offering another option for eager gamers.
