Campers Line Up for Nvidia's RTX 5090 Launch Despite Weather Woes

The highly anticipated Nvidia RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 GPUs 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 intense demand.

While both the $2,000 RTX 5090 and the $1,000 RTX 5080 command premium prices, limited stock is expected. Reports suggest extremely low availability, with one UK retailer reporting single-digit RTX 5090 stock.

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 speculation about potential scalpers aiming to capitalize on the low supply. Images circulating on Reddit and the Unofficial Micro Center Discord show multiple tents occupied by individuals awaiting the launch.

One camper, in a Reddit thread, clarified that their group intends to purchase the cards for personal use, dispelling concerns about resale. They also described a respectful atmosphere among those waiting. Discord users estimate up to 10 tents and approximately 24 people are currently present.

Micro Center, in a YouTube video, advised against camping, citing the inclement January weather. The company will utilize a voucher system to manage purchases on a first-come, first-served basis, with no choice of specific GPU model and a one-card-per-customer limit. 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. The current situation underscores the intense anticipation and potential challenges surrounding the launch of Nvidia's latest high-end GPUs.