Nvidia's launch of its highly-anticipated RTX 5090 graphics card has been marred by severe stock shortages, with many retailers warning customers of delays until April or May. The situation has led to claims of a "paper launch," where the product is announced but not readily available to consumers.

The RTX 5090, priced at $1,999, was launched yesterday, but many customers who camped outside retailers were left empty-handed. Reddit users have been tracking inventory at Micro Center locations across the US, revealing that some stores received as few as 10 cards, while others had none at all. The Tustin, California Micro Center store reportedly received the most stock, but even that was limited.

While the RTX 5080 was slightly easier to purchase on launch day, cards quickly went out of stock at retailers like Best Buy and Amazon. One Reddit user claimed to have secured an RTX 5090 after waiting in line for three days, while others shared purchase vouchers handed out to those waiting in line at a Miami Micro Center. However, the overwhelming majority of posts were from customers complaining about the launch and lack of stock.

Gamers Nexus reported that one of the largest system integrators in the US received only a single RTX 5090 on launch day, with a smaller shipment arriving later. Another system builder reportedly received no units, while a third received 20 RTX 5090s that were sold in pre-built machines within minutes. Many retailers have since shifted to listing preorders for RTX 5090 cards, with some warning of delays until the end of May – four months after the launch date.

The severe stock shortages have created an opportunity for scalpers, who are selling RTX 5090 cards on eBay for as much as $5,000 or more. YouTuber JayzTwoCents even found an RTX 5090 on sale for $5,800 on Facebook, after signing the card at the Tustin Micro Center store earlier in the day.

Nvidia refused to comment on the RTX 5090 launch issues beyond its previous warning about stock shortages. The company's silence has only added to the frustration of customers and the criticism of a "paper launch."

The RTX 5090 launch debacle raises questions about Nvidia's supply chain management and its ability to meet demand for its highly-anticipated products. The incident is likely to have a negative impact on customer trust and loyalty, particularly among gamers who have been eagerly awaiting the release of the RTX 5090.

In the broader context, the RTX 5090 launch issues highlight the challenges faced by technology companies in managing supply and demand for high-demand products. As the tech industry continues to evolve, companies like Nvidia must adapt to changing market conditions and customer expectations to remain competitive.