NVIDIA’s latest GeForce RTX 5090 release is creating quite a frenzy, as its highly anticipated debut comes with unexpectedly limited stock, leading to widespread consumer frustration.
The Phenomenal Demand for NVIDIA’s RTX Blackwell GPU Triggers a Stock Shortage, Leaving Buyers in a Tizzy
We’ve been warning our readers that NVIDIA’s new RTX Blackwell GPUs would be hitting the shelves with extremely limited inventory. The company was upfront about this before the launch, but the excitement among consumers seems to have hit an all-time high, resulting in pure "inventory chaos" at retailers worldwide. Take Japan, for instance. According to Twitter user @sarasteam0151, eager Japanese consumers eager to snag the RTX 5090 went to great lengths, with some chaotic scenes unfolding during the launch there.
Japanese retailers decided to implement a "lottery" system for the early purchase of the GeForce RTX 5090. The goal was to ensure a fair chance for everyone and to keep scalpers at bay. But, as it turns out, this plan didn’t exactly go smoothly. Some buyers were reportedly so frustrated that they resorted to climbing the fence of a neighboring kindergarten, merely to vent their displeasure over the situation.
This isn’t just a Japanese phenomenon. In places like the US, the retail landscape is just as troubling. Reports suggest that outlets such as MicroCenter received RTX 5090 units in mere "single-digit" quantities. To make matters worse, some enthusiasts even camped outside retail locations days in advance, making it nearly impossible for the average shopper to get their hands on the new GPU on launch day. It’s undoubtedly a letdown for many RTX Blackwell aficionados who hoped to make their purchase on the first day, but, unfortunately, that’s the current reality.
For those wondering why NVIDIA’s inventory is so sparse this time around, it appears that the integration of GDDR7 memory modules is a significant factor. Additionally, AIB partners dealing with the RTX 50 series GPUs are facing tight profit margins, pushing them to sell their stock at prices beyond the MSRP. This has only added to the launch-day bedlam. Until the supply stabilizes, which might take a few weeks, we’re suggesting consumers hold off. During this time, it’s possible that AMD’s RX 9070 series GPUs might also hit the market, offering more options for gamers.
