The launch of NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 5090 is off to a rocky start with “release chaos” engulfing potential buyers due to unexpectedly low stock levels, fueling frustration among eager consumers.
As the hype surrounding NVIDIA’s flagship RTX Blackwell GPU reaches fever pitch, the stark shortage in stock is leaving buyers exasperated. We’ve previously warned readers that NVIDIA’s new line of GPUs could come with some of the thinnest inventory levels seen in recent memory. While NVIDIA did caution users about limited availability in advance of the initial release, it seems the excitement among consumers has led to a rather chaotic scenario, notably in Japan. Reports from user @sarasteam0151 on social media highlight the uproar during the launch day, with Japanese buyers turning “rogue” amidst the short supply.
In an attempt to manage the crowd and ensure fairness, Japanese retailers deployed a “lottery” system to distribute the few available GeForce RTX 5090 units equitably and to thwart scalpers. Unfortunately, the method reportedly failed to quell the chaos, with tensions spilling over as some buyers were seen scaling the fences of a nearby kindergarten in their frustration over the situation.
But the strain is not exclusive to Japan. Reports from the US indicate that the stock situation is similarly dire, with retailers like MicroCenter receiving the RTX 5090 in elusive “single-digit” quantities. Such limited allocations have prompted eager consumers to camp outside retail outlets well ahead of the official release date, making it virtually impossible for an average customer to purchase the new GPUs immediately after launch. While disheartening for hopeful buyers eagerly anticipating an upgrade to RTX Blackwell on launch day, the situation is currently beyond their control.
For those wondering why stock levels are so dismal, NVIDIA’s move to incorporate GDDR7 memory modules appears to be a key factor in the low supply. Moreover, AIB partners, faced with slim profit margins for the RTX 50 series, are reportedly inclined to sell their inventory above the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, further complicating the launch environment. At this point, our recommendation to consumers is to be patient and wait for inventory levels to recover, which could realistically take several weeks. By then, AMD’s competing RX 9070 series GPUs might also hit the shelves, providing additional options for tech enthusiasts.
