People Are Already Camping Out for an Nvidia RTX 5090, Despite Retailer Warning About the January Cold

The highly anticipated launch of Nvidia's RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 graphics cards on January 30th has ignited a frenzy among gamers. Our RTX 5090 review hailed it as the fastest consumer graphics card on the market, fueling intense anticipation. While the $2,000 RTX 5090 and $1,000 RTX 5080 command premium prices, the demand is undeniably high. However, reports suggest extremely limited stock, with one UK retailer claiming to have only single-digit quantities of the RTX 5090.

This scarcity has led to an unusual sight: campers outside a Micro Center store in Tustin, California, days before the launch. Images circulating on Reddit and the Unofficial Micro Center Discord channel show tents erected, sparking speculation about potential scalpers. However, at least one camper clarified on Reddit that they are purchasing for personal use, dispelling some of the scalping concerns. They also described a respectful atmosphere among those waiting. Reports from the Unofficial Micro Center Discord indicate as many as 10 tents and approximately 24 people are 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, offering no choice of specific GPU models. A one-card-per-customer limit is in place. Despite 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.