The highly anticipated Nvidia RTX 5090 is slated for release on January 30th, but securing one might prove challenging. Early indications suggest extremely limited stock levels, forcing retailers to adopt unconventional sales strategies. One Japanese retailer is even resorting to a lottery system, where the “prize” is simply the opportunity to purchase the coveted graphics card for upwards of $2,000. Meanwhile, manufacturers like MSI have confirmed shipment delays, further exacerbating the scarcity.
This limited availability has led to a scramble for guaranteed purchase opportunities. Goodwill Nagoya Osu, a Japanese retailer, announced its RTX 5090 sales will commence on January 31st. However, hopeful buyers must be present outside the store by 10:20 a.m. to receive a lottery ticket, potentially granting them the chance to buy the GPU at 11:00 a.m. This unusual approach highlights the extreme measures driven by the limited supply. VideoCardz reported on this unique sales strategy.
While queuing outside stores for hardware launches is a familiar sight, the lottery system adds another layer of uncertainty. Recent examples, like campers outside Micro Center, demonstrate the lengths enthusiasts will go to for new hardware. While these dedicated shoppers endured longer waits, they at least had a guaranteed purchase, unlike those relying on the lottery system. Interestingly, lottery systems for GPUs aren’t entirely new; similar methods were employed during previous GPU shortages.
【告 知】
RTX5090,RTX5080販売方法に関して
1/31 11時より販売開始の次世代GPUは
名古屋大須店では『抽選販売』といたします。
10時20分より抽選券を配布。
10時20分の時点でお並びいただいた方を抽選対象といたします。
入荷商品、数量は、1/30の23時以降にお伝えします。 pic.twitter.com/sWUh0p9nOa— GOODWILL 名古屋大須店 (@GW_Nagoyaoosu) January 29, 2025
The root cause of these extreme purchasing scenarios appears to be the significantly constrained supply of the RTX 50-series at launch. While Nvidia’s Founders Edition might be available, overall GPU quantities are expected to fall short of demand, a concerning sign considering the RTX 5090’s high price point. The availability of third-party cards remains uncertain. Predicting which retailers and manufacturers will have adequate stock on launch day is difficult. Adding to the complexity, MSI confirmed delayed shipments of its RTX 5090 models, pushing availability back to February 6th, despite preorders opening on January 30th as planned. StinceBuilt reported on MSI’s delayed shipment.
The RTX 5080’s availability is another unanswered question. Stay tuned for updates on where to buy both the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 on their respective launch days.
