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-grade graphics card, fueling the hype.
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 claiming 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, sparking debate on whether they are genuine buyers or scalpers aiming for a quick profit.
Reddit and the Unofficial Micro Center Discord channel feature images of the encampment. One camper, in a Reddit thread, clarified their intentions, stating they are purchasing for personal use and not for resale. They also mentioned owning a business, explaining their availability to camp out. Reports indicate the number of campers has grown to approximately 24 individuals across multiple tents.
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, with no choice of specific GPU model. A one-card-per-customer limit is in place, and 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 continue to create a competitive environment for securing these new high-end graphics cards.
