NVIDIA is in the spotlight again, but this time the issue isn’t technical—it’s about alleged market manipulation with its new GeForce RTX 50 Series graphics cards. According to insider sources, the company is said to be intentionally limiting the supply of high-end GPUs, like the RTX 5090, to create a false sense of scarcity. This strategy, known as “scarcity marketing,” makes products seem in high demand, which in turn justifies higher prices.
Scarcity Marketing: A Profitable Strategy?
This tactic not only helps NVIDIA maximize profits from its high-end models, but it also creates anticipation for future mid-range GPUs, such as the RTX 5060 and 5070, which are expected to launch between April and May with more abundant stock.
While this strategy might boost NVIDIA’s sales of expensive cards, it’s hurting consumers. Many are left paying inflated prices or waiting months for more affordable options. A clear example is the RTX 5070 Ti, which is being sold for double its original retail price at some stores.
On top of the limited availability, NVIDIA is facing technical issues with the Blackwell GB202 chip, which has been causing defects in some units, leading to reduced performance. Initially thought to be a minor issue, it appears to be affecting multiple models, making the RTX 50 Series launch one of the most chaotic in recent years.
NVIDIA has yet to make any official statements about these accusations. If the rumors are true, it could lead to a wave of criticism from both gamers and consumers, who are already struggling with high prices and the difficult availability of the new GPUs.
