Campers Flock to Queues for RTX 5090 Release

The highly anticipated Nvidia RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 are set to launch on January 30th, generating significant buzz. Our RTX 5090 review hailed it as the fastest consumer graphics card, fueling excitement for this new generation.

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 sight: people camping outside a Micro Center store in Tustin, California, days before the launch. Images circulating on Reddit and the Unofficial Micro Center Discord show multiple tents erected, raising concerns about potential scalpers aiming to profit from the low stock.

One camper, posting on Reddit, clarified that their group intends to purchase the cards for personal use, dispelling speculation of resale. They also reported a respectful atmosphere among those waiting. Estimates from the Discord channel indicate up to 10 tents and 24 individuals currently waiting.

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. 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.