Nvidia is set to launch its highly anticipated GeForce RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 graphics cards on January 30, 2025, but early indications suggest customers may face significant challenges acquiring them. The gaming community is beginning to brace itself for what some are calling another GPU launch marked by shortages and scarcity.
With retail prices set at $999 for the RTX 5080 and $1,999 for the RTX 5090, gaming enthusiasts are expressing eagerness, but Nvidia has made it clear: demand is expected to outpace supply. "We expect significant demand for the GeForce RTX 5090 and 5080 and believe stock-outs may happen," Nvidia stated on its official forums, reinforcing concerns about availability.
This sentiment is echoed by MSI, one of Nvidia's trusted partners. The company's U.S. division recently communicated through its official Discord channel, indicating grim news for eager consumers. Reports suggest the RTX 5090 will see limited stock at launch, with pre-orders for the card only available through MSI's official store starting at 6 AM PST on January 30, but shipping won’t commence until February 6. A message from MSI revealed, "The launch of the RTX 5090 will be the worst when itcomes to availability. Already being told to expect it to bethat way for the first three months," signaling tough times for those seeking the new flagship GPU.
This expected shortage is not merely conjecture; it's based on historical trends surrounding previous GPU launches, where sales often overflowed with buyers unable to find stock. Just four years ago, the crypto boom and pandemic-related supply chain issues wreaked havoc for gamers trying to purchase graphics cards, and many suspect this scenario might replay with the RTX 50 series.
Retailers across the globe are bracing themselves, with some even resorting to extreme measures to manage stock concerns. Reports from the Nagoya Osu store confirm they will sell the GPUs via lottery—an unprecedented process for high-demand products. Users must line up and secure lottery tickets, allowing winners to purchase one of the GPUs at full price. The sale is set to start on January 31.
The situation appears dire even for loyal Nvidia fans, as information trickles out about the limited numbers available. While some PC builders and retailers prepare stock, there remain questions about how much will land on shelves and at what cost. Even with additional shipment efforts promised daily by Nvidia, the stock situation is unlikely to improve significantly, as the company has faced communication issues with its add-in card partners.
The gaming community has taken to social media, sharing news of camping out for the chance to secure these coveted cards. Examples from Reddit indicate gamers lining up at Micro Center locations, hoping to snag GPUs on launch day. Some retailers, including Micro Center, are offering vouchers for customers waiting in line, but getting one’s hands on either card may require patience. Purchasers are left wondering if the wait is worth it.
MSI has expressed confidence about the availability of the RTX 5080, asserting it will ship on the launch date, January 30. Still, consideration about how much stock there will be remains uncertain, feeding speculation about potential online price hikes. Nvidia representatives have confirmed shortages, but misuse of price gouging may become prevalent as online shopping expands. The RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 are both expected to carry inflated prices post-launch if customers are unable to find them at the MSRP.
The capacity for customers to purchase mid-range cards, like the RTX 5070 and 5070 Ti, set for release soon thereafter at $550 and $750 respectively, remains equally clouded. Nvidia insists these cards' release will go as planned, but the demand for the higher-end models, coupled with anticipated stock issues, has left gamers concerned.
Finally, as the clock ticks down to launch, the overall excitement surrounding the RTX 50 series continues to peak. Both Nvidia's high-performing graphics cards and their attractive roadmap are drawing immediate attention, but the looming shadow of stock shortages certainly casts doubt on how successful or accessible this eagerly awaited launch will be. With gaming enthusiasts driven by both support and skepticism, it’s clear the anticipation is palpable, but getting these new GPUs may take more than just desire.