Japanese Retailer Implements Lottery System for NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 & RTX 5080 GPU Sales on Launch Day

The current demand for NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 graphics cards is overwhelming, leading retailers to implement an unprecedented lottery system for sales. This approach underscores the extent of the GPU supply shortage, as eager customers scramble to secure these high-demand units.

Lottery System Introduced by Nagoya Osu Store for NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 GPUs

In a move reflecting the stark reality of the GPU market, the Nagoya Osu store is selling lottery tickets to interested buyers of the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 and RTX 5080. Remarkably, this lottery doesn’t offer free GPUs; instead, winners will be required to purchase the graphics cards at the full retail price.

This scenario marks a significant first in the world of retail graphics cards—producing a level of scarcity unseen at launch events in recent history. Reports have circulated for days about the shortages, suggesting that a vast majority of consumers may struggle not only to purchase these graphics cards but even to obtain them at their Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP).

According to a recent post from @GW_Nagoyaoosu, the Nagoya Osu store outlined the eligibility criteria for prospective GPU purchasers. Sales are scheduled to commence on January 31 at 11:00 AM. Customers lining up by 10:20 AM will receive lottery tickets, giving them a chance to select a GPU from the available stock once winners are announced.

Regarding sales methods for RTX 5090 and RTX 5080: The next-generation GPU will go on sale from 11 AM on January 31st and will be sold by lottery at the Nagoya Osu store. Raffle tickets will be distributed from 10:20 AM. Those who are in line by 10:20 will be entered into the lottery. We will inform you of the items and quantities in stock after 11 PM on January 30th.

Once all the lottery tickets have been distributed, the draw will be held and the winners will be announced. Each person will be asked to choose one product in order of selection. Please do not leave the line from the time your lottery tickets are distributed until the results are announced. We will inform you of the items and quantities in stock after 11 PM on January 30th.

– Nagoya Osu Store (Translated)

Details on the exact number of GPUs available for each model remain undisclosed. However, given the global supply constraints affecting NVIDIA’s board partners and distributors, it’s clear that only a limited quantity is available. Consequently, prices in various regions are inflating, with some custom AIB editions soaring several hundred dollars above the Founders Edition models.

Expectations of a swift resolution to this supply dilemma seem unrealistic. Industry experts predict that restoring availability could take weeks, if not months. Therefore, consumers are advised against purchasing these GPUs at inflated prices, particularly considering that the performance-to-cost ratio of the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 may not justify the investment compared to their predecessors.

Initial reviews for the RTX 5080 have emerged, confirming that this model offers lower performance relative to the RTX 4090. As anticipated, both the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 are set to release tomorrow with their Founders Edition prices positioned at $1999 and $999, respectively.

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