As the clock counts down to the much-anticipated release of Nvidia’s new RTX 5090, excitement is reaching a fever pitch, especially at Micro Center in Tustin, California. With just a few days left until the launch on January 30, eager gamers have begun camping out in front of the store, hoping to secure one of the limited graphics cards. Despite warnings from the retailer about the chilly January weather, these enthusiasts are determined—some even calling their mission a personal quest rather than an opportunity for resale. Let’s look at what’s happening and what it means for gamers.
The Launch of a New GPU Generation is Upon Us
On January 30, Nvidia is set to release two exciting new graphics cards: the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080. The RTX 5090 comes with a price tag of $2,000, while the RTX 5080 will be offered at $1,000. What’s notable is the limited availability of these cards, creating a buzz that has driven people to set up camp outside stores. More than 24 hopeful buyers are currently waiting in the Tustin location, some for days, eagerly anticipating that they’ll be one of the lucky first buyers.
Camping Out Despite Challenges
The weather isn’t the only challenge those camping outside are facing. Micro Center has actively discouraged this practice, indicating their commitment to a fair selling process. Instead, they plan to use a voucher system to manage purchases, which will operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Purchases will be limited to one card per customer, ensuring more gamers have a chance to grab these hot-ticket items. However, this hasn’t deterred the determined campers, who are braving the cold in hopes of snagging one of these highly sought-after graphics cards.
Potential Impact on Prices
The excitement around the RTX 5090 isn’t just about getting the card—there are also concerns about the potential prices in the resale market. Given that these cards are projected to sell out quickly due to limited stock, some campers are speculating whether they could resell their cards at a much higher price. Interestingly, while some individuals are camping out with the intent to keep the precious gear for themselves, others acknowledge the financial opportunity that this shortage might create.
Where to Buy the RTX 5090
If you’re not among the lucky ones camping outside Micro Center, there are still options for scoring the new RTX graphics cards. Retailers such as Adorama are offering pre-built gaming PCs that feature the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080. These PCs come in several configurations, catering to different gamer needs and budgets. For example, a setup with the RTX 5080 and an AMD Ryzen 9 9900X processor starts at around $2,229, and there are even more premium options that go up to $4,559. Preorders have already begun, and while the expected shipping date is around February 11, it’s wise to keep an eye out for updates since this could change.
The Bigger Picture: Chip Tariffs and Market Concerns
Interestingly enough, while gamers are eagerly waiting for the new graphics cards, there’s also chatter regarding potential tariffs on imported chips from Taiwan that could affect prices dramatically. President Trump has recently hinted at imposing tariffs that could reach as high as 100% on computer chips from Taiwan. If this were to happen, it would likely make not just the RTX 5090 but many other computer components more expensive in the U.S. market, possibly affecting supply and demand significantly.
Looking Ahead
The buzz surrounding the RTX 5090 is not just about high performance in gaming; it’s also a sociocultural moment, indicating how invested the gaming community is in obtaining the latest technology. As the launch date approaches, more people are likely to join in the excitement, whether in person or online. Whether you’re among the campers or prefer to shop online, there’s no doubt that a new era of gaming will be kicking off soon. Keep your eyes peeled for updates, and good luck to all the eager buyers out there!
