NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 5090 Launch Causes Turmoil: Japan Experiences Chaotic Release as Global Retailers Report Scarce Inventory

NVIDIA’s launch of the GeForce RTX 5090 has stirred quite the frenzy among enthusiasts, and it’s easy to see why. The combination of high demand and low stock has left many eager buyers exasperated.

The debut of NVIDIA’s flagship RTX Blackwell GPU has sparked an intense shopping craze, with consumers scrambling to secure one. Although NVIDIA had warned about the limited availability of these GPUs prior to release, demand has clearly exceeded expectations. This has resulted in a commotion at retailers, most notably in Japan. Reports from @sarasteam0151 describe how Japanese consumers were so desperate to get their hands on the RTX 5090 that the launch event descended into chaos.

In Japan, retailers attempted to manage the hype by introducing a lottery system for the early purchase of the GeForce RTX 5090. This was intended to curb scalping and provide a fair chance for all. However, the plan didn’t go smoothly. The launch witnessed tumultuous scenes as some keen customers took drastic measures, even going so far as to climb a kindergarten fence nearby to vent their frustrations.

This issue isn’t just confined to Japan. Across the globe, especially in places like the United States, the scenario is similarly tricky. Stores like MicroCenter are reportedly receiving very limited stock, sometimes just a handful of units. This scarcity has led hardcore fans to camp outside stores days before the launch, making it currently unrealistic for the average consumer to snag an RTX 5090 on the release day. This situation has undoubtedly disappointed many, leaving them without the coveted hardware they were hoping for.

The root of this stock shortage can be traced back to NVIDIA’s choice to implement GDDR7 memory modules in this GPU series. The decision has likely slowed production. Additionally, the slim profit margins for partners on RTX 50 series GPUs have influenced them to sell above the suggested retail price, adding to the on-launch mayhem. As such, we suggest waiting until the supply chain stabilizes, which might take a few weeks. By then, AMD’s RX 9070 series might also enter the scene, offering more options for consumers.