The NVIDIA RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 launch was supposed to be a landmark moment in PC gaming. These next-generation GPUs promised unparalleled performance, cutting-edge ray tracing, and AI-powered gaming advancements. Instead, what we got was one of the worst GPU launches in recent memory.
From instant stock sellouts to scalpers driving prices through the roof, NVIDIA’s latest graphics card release has left gamers frustrated and empty-handed. And for those in Canada? Amazon didn’t even get stock. Let’s break down exactly what went wrong and why the RTX 5090 and 5080 launch feels like a complete disaster.
5090 and 5080 Stock Issues: Were They Ever Even Available?
If you tried to buy an NVIDIA RTX 5090 or RTX 5080 at launch, you were probably met with “Out of Stock” messages within seconds. Major retailers Best Buy, Newegg, and Micro Center all saw their stock vanish in an instant, with many customers reporting they were unable to even add a card to their cart before the listings disappeared.
Best Buy & Newegg: The Ultimate Letdown
Many hopeful buyers set alarms, prepared their payment info, and refreshed their browsers, only to find that practically no one was able to complete a purchase. Reports flooded online forums of customers getting stuck at checkout or receiving errors, indicating that stock was either:
Drastically lower than expected
Snatched up by bots within seconds
Simply never available in significant numbers
Amazon Canada Didn’t Even Get Stock
Gamers in Canada got the worst deal of all—Amazon Canada had zero RTX 5090 and 5080 stock at launch. This meant no chance at all for Canadian buyers to secure a card from one of the largest online retailers.
Scalpers Are Already Reselling the 5090 for Over $5,000
If you thought RTX 5090 scalping wouldn’t be as bad as the RTX 30-series days… think again. Within hours of launch, eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace were flooded with listings for the RTX 5090 at insane markups.
Here’s What Scalpers Are Charging Right Now:
RTX 5090 Founders Edition – $4,999 to $6,000
RTX 5080 – $2,499 to $3,500
Special Editions – Over $7,000
Scalpers are taking full advantage of the lack of stock, retailer failures, and NVIDIA’s inability to prevent bots from scooping up inventory.
What Went Wrong with the RTX 5090 Launch?
So, why was the NVIDIA RTX 5090 launch so bad? Several key factors contributed to this disaster:
- Limited Stock and Poor Retailer Allocation
Despite NVIDIA hyping up the 5090 for months, their stock allocation was laughably low. Some Micro Center locations reportedly received fewer than 10 units, while others had no stock at all.
- Scalpers and Bots Took Over
Retailers like Best Buy and Newegg failed to prevent scalpers from deploying bots that instantly bought up the cards, leaving legitimate buyers with zero chance to purchase at retail price.
- Amazon Canada’s Failure to Stock the 5090
For Canadian gamers, the launch was even more frustrating. Amazon Canada received no stock, leaving one of the biggest retail platforms completely out of the equation.
- No Preorder System for Genuine Buyers
Unlike some previous launches, NVIDIA did not offer a verified pre-order system to ensure that real customers—not bots—got access to the cards first.
- Failed Checkout Systems
Many users who had a card in their cart at Best Buy or Newegg were met with checkout errors, slow loading times, and website crashes—further proof that these retailers weren’t prepared for the demand.
NVIDIA’s Response – Damage Control Mode?
NVIDIA quickly addressed the backlash, claiming that demand for the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 was higher than anticipated. The company promised to restock retailers frequently but stopped short of providing actual numbers or a timeline for when buyers can expect availability.
However, NVIDIA’s statement rings hollow, considering similar issues plagued the RTX 30 and 40-series launches. If they knew demand would be this high, why didn’t they prepare better?
What Happens Next? Should You Wait or Pay Scalper Prices?
If you’re desperate to get your hands on an RTX 5090 or 5080, DO NOT pay scalper prices. Instead, consider:
Waiting for restocks – NVIDIA has promised more stock in the coming weeks, though availability remains uncertain.
Checking alternative retailers – Some local stores might get small restocks outside of the main online retailers.
Considering the 4080 or 4090 – While not the latest, these GPUs are still incredibly powerful and are more readily available.
Final Verdict: The RTX 5090 and 5080 Launch Was an Absolute Disaster
NVIDIA had one job: make sure customers could actually buy the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080. Instead, we got:
Retailer crashes and instant stockouts
Scalpers flipping cards for 3X retail price
Amazon Canada completely left out
A frustrating, broken buying experience for gamers
At this point, the RTX 5090 launch is one of NVIDIA’s worst to date, and unless they step in with serious restocks and better retail protections, it’s hard to see how this situation improves.
What do you think? Were you able to secure an RTX 5090 or 5080? Or are you just as frustrated as the rest of us? Drop a comment below and let us know your experience!
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Until next time—good luck getting your RTX 5090! 🎮🔥
