Nvidia recently launched its highly anticipated RTX 5090 and 5080 graphics cards, but the release has been marred by severe stock shortages, leading to what many are calling a 'paper launch.'
On launch day, long lines formed outside retailers as eager customers camped out, but only a handful were able to purchase the new GPUs due to extremely limited availability.
Despite Nvidia's assurance that they are actively shipping more stock daily to meet demand, retailers are warning that shortages may persist for months, with some expecting new stock only in April or May.
Overclockers UK has halted pre-orders for both the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 due to overwhelming demand, placing customers in a pre-order queue with uncertain wait times.
The scarcity of the RTX 50 series was evident as inventory on platforms like Newegg disappeared within 20 minutes after the embargo was lifted.
This situation has raised questions about Nvidia's production capabilities and allocation strategies, 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 $7,000.
Concerns have also been raised regarding the RTX 5080's performance, as recent benchmarks suggest it may perform slower than the previous RTX 4090.
Looking ahead, the RTX 5070 is set to launch this month, but there are fears it may encounter similar supply issues as its higher-end counterparts.
This trend of stock shortages follows a pattern seen in previous GPU launches, leaving potential buyers frustrated and questioning availability.
In the midst of the RTX 50 series scarcity, AMD's Radeon GPUs have gained popularity, with several models becoming best-sellers on Newegg.
As AMD prepares to launch its RDNA 4 series targeting mid-range to budget segments, it could further shift market dynamics, offering consumers more competitive options.
