Nvidia and Newegg Relaunch Programs to Combat Graphics Card Scalping
Introduction
The launch of Nvidia’s latest GeForce RTX 5000 series graphics cards has been met with overwhelming demand and instant sellouts, leaving many PC gamers and enthusiasts empty-handed. Resellers and scalpers have taken advantage of the shortage, inflating prices and making it difficult for end consumers to obtain these highly sought-after products. In response, Nvidia and Newegg are resurrecting programs aimed at selling graphics cards directly to end customers, bypassing the scalping market.
Nvidia Verified Priority Access
Nvidia has relaunched its Verified Priority Access system, which allows verified Nvidia account holders to reserve a limited number of Founder’s Edition RTX 5090 and 5080 graphics cards. To qualify for this program, customers must have created an Nvidia account before January 30, 2025, and must be US residents. A limited number of cards will be available through this system, and the exact allocation is currently unknown.
Newegg Shuffle
Newegg has also dusted off its Newegg Shuffle system for the launch of the RTX 5070 Ti. This system is a customer raffle for popular items, allowing users to enter for a chance to purchase the graphics card. The raffle for the RTX 5070 Ti is currently open for a limited time, and winners will be notified and given a five-hour buy window to complete their purchase.
Additional Initiatives
In addition to these programs, other companies have also implemented measures to combat scalping and ensure that actual end users have a fair chance of purchasing graphics cards. Zotac offers a system that allows active members of its Discord server to enter a drawing for the opportunity to buy a card. However, this program has a limited number of cards available, and the exact allocation is not disclosed.
Market Conditions and Outlook
The availability of Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 5000 series graphics cards remains constrained, with high demand and limited supply. Nvidia and Newegg are actively working to increase production capacity, but it is likely that these programs will only provide limited relief to the current shortage.
The RTX 5070, which is expected to be more affordable than the RTX 5090, 5080, and 5070 Ti, is yet to launch. However, given the current market conditions, it is reasonable to expect similar availability issues when it does become available.
Conclusion
Nvidia and Newegg’s efforts to combat scalping and sell graphics cards directly to end customers are a welcome step towards alleviating the current supply shortage. However, these programs are likely to have limited impact, as demand for these products remains high. Consumers should be prepared for continued availability challenges and inflated prices until production capacity can meet demand.
