Nvidia's recent launch of the GeForce RTX 50 Series, which includes the RTX 5080 and RTX 5090, on January 27, 2025, has been marred by significant stock shortages, leading to a situation described as a 'paper launch.'

The supply situation for the RTX 5090 is particularly dire, with stock completely sold out at UK retailer Overclockers, while the RTX 5080 also faces inventory issues with an estimated restock time of two to six weeks.

Despite Nvidia's claims of actively shipping more stock daily, shortages are expected to persist for months, with some UK retailers not anticipating new stock until April or May.

For those eager to obtain a GPU quickly, considering a pre-built PC from manufacturers like Maingear or Cyberpower may be a more efficient option, as they often have dedicated stock.

Overall, the RTX 50 Series launch has not only disappointed consumers but also raised questions about Nvidia's allocation strategies and their ability to meet the high demand.

The ongoing stock issues have raised concerns about Nvidia's production capabilities, especially since they halted production of the RTX 4090 to focus on the new 50-series.

Scalpers have taken advantage of the situation, reselling the RTX 5090 at prices ranging from two to three times the manufacturer's suggested retail price, with some listings exceeding $4,000.

Many customers are left in preorder queues, with the option to wait for stock or cancel their orders for refunds, highlighting the high demand for these GPUs.

As a result of the scarcity of RTX 50 Series cards, AMD's Radeon GPUs have gained traction, with several models becoming best-sellers on platforms like Newegg.

This rapid sell-out has sparked accusations of a 'paper launch,' where products are introduced without sufficient supply to meet consumer demand.

Looking ahead, the upcoming RDNA 4 architecture, including the anticipated launch of the Radeon RX 9070 XT, may further shift market dynamics by offering better performance at lower prices.

There are concerns that any new stock arriving may primarily fulfill existing pre-orders rather than being available for new purchases, exacerbating the supply issues.