Nvidia RTX 5090 and 5080 Launch Faces Scarcity and Scalper Challenges Amid Huge Demand
January 30, 2025
Although the current GPU supply situation is expected to improve, there is no clear timeline for when consumers can expect more consistent availability.
A user-generated spreadsheet from r/Microcenter revealed that 68% of Micro Center locations had fewer than 10 RTX 5090 units in stock, indicating a scarcity of these sought-after cards.
The highly anticipated Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 GPUs officially launched on January 30, 2025, amid expectations of significant demand.
While the RTX 5080 is priced lower, its performance does not greatly exceed that of the previous generation RTX 4080 Super in many gaming scenarios.
The ongoing issue of scalpers exacerbates the supply shortages in the gaming hardware market, a challenge that companies have struggled to address effectively.
Despite Nvidia's efforts to ship more GPUs to retailers daily, stock availability remains limited, and potential buyers are encouraged to act quickly.
To increase their chances of securing a purchase, interested buyers should monitor stock updates closely.
Historically, Nvidia product launches have attracted both campers and scalpers, with the latter aiming to buy in bulk for resale at inflated prices.
Communication issues between Nvidia and its add-in card partners have further complicated stock and distribution, impacting availability.
Gamers are advised to check Newegg coupon codes for potential savings, as the demand for these GPUs continues to rise.
The launch's overall success is questionable, as many potential buyers reported disappointment due to difficulties in purchasing the new GPUs.
In response to the camping phenomenon, Micro Center has implemented a voucher system for purchases, discouraging customers from waiting outside in cold weather.
Summary based on 55 sources
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Sources

The Verge • Jan 31, 2025
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