Nvidia RTX 5090 Demand Sparks Campouts

The highly anticipated Nvidia RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 are set to launch on January 30th, generating significant excitement among gamers. Our RTX 5090 review hailed it as the fastest consumer graphics card available, fueling the intense anticipation.

Despite their premium prices—$2,000 for the RTX 5090 and $1,000 for the RTX 5080—demand is exceptionally high. However, reports suggest extremely limited stock, with one UK retailer reporting single-digit RTX 5090 availability.

This scarcity has led to an unusual scene outside a Micro Center store in Tustin, California. Days before the launch, individuals have set up tents, prompting speculation about potential scalpers aiming to profit from the low stock. Reddit and the Unofficial Micro Center Discord channel are buzzing with images and discussions.

One camper, addressing concerns on Reddit, clarified that their group intends to use the cards personally, denying any plans to resell. They emphasized the group's respectful conduct and the generally positive atmosphere among those waiting. Reports indicate a growing number of campers, potentially reaching 24 individuals by the time of writing.

Micro Center, in a YouTube video, advised against camping, citing the inclement January weather. Their launch strategy involves a first-come, first-served voucher system, offering no choice of specific GPU models. A one-card-per-customer limit is in place. While discouraging camping, Micro Center still recommends early arrival to secure a purchase.

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 – Photos

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This isn't unprecedented; YouTuber Austin Evans documented similar scenes at the same Tustin location during the RTX 3070 launch in 2020. The high demand and limited supply underscore the intense competition for the latest high-end graphics cards.