Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 5090 and 5080 GPUs have launched to overwhelming demand, but as expected, getting your hands on one is a nightmare. With scalpers swooping in, prices soaring, and reports of launch issues—including power connector problems—the chaos surrounding Nvidia’s latest high-end GPUs frustrates gamers and enthusiasts.
Now, Nvidia has announced its “Verified Priority Access“ program, a system designed to give real gamers a better shot at securing a Founders Edition RTX 5090 or 5080 without falling victim to outrageous scalper prices. But is this an actual fix or just an attempt at damage control?
How Does Nvidia’s Verified Priority Access Work?
The concept of “Verified Priority Access“ is simple: Nvidia wants to ensure that GPUs end up in the hands of actual gamers rather than bots and scalpers. However, this program differs slightly from its previous attempt during the RTX 4090 launch. Here’s how it works:
✅ You must have an Nvidia account created before January 30
✅ You need to apply manually and select whether you want an RTX 5090 or 5080
✅ Nvidia’s algorithm will analyze your usage of the Nvidia app / GeForce Experience to determine if you’re a “real“ gamer
✅ If approved, you’ll get an invitation to purchase a Founders Edition card (limit one per person)
This system attempts to prioritize Nvidia’s long-time users while discouraging mass purchases by scalpers. However, there’s no transparency regarding how many cards Nvidia will allocate to this program, meaning supply could still be scarce.
The Good: A Step in the Right Direction?
There are some clear benefits to this approach:
🔹 Reducing Scalping: By requiring a legitimate Nvidia account and analyzing GeForce Experience usage, Nvidia is actively trying to block bot-driven purchases.
🔹 Fairer Distribution: Since users need to apply and cannot buy more than one GPU, it increases the odds that real enthusiasts can get a card.
🔹 Encouraging Nvidia Loyalty: This system rewards long-time Nvidia users instead of allowing random new accounts to scoop up all the stock.
However, while this sounds great in theory, there are still significant issues Nvidia has not addressed.
The Bad: Does This Fix the Problem?
Despite the good intentions, Verified Priority Access might not be the perfect solution for several reasons:
❌ Stock Remains Extremely Limited – Nvidia hasn’t confirmed how many cards are allocated to this program, so getting an invite doesn’t guarantee a purchase.
❌ Technical Issues with RTX 50-Series GPUs – The launch has been plagued with driver problems, overheating, and even power connector failures. Nvidia has yet to address these concerns in detail publicly.
❌ Soaring Prices – Even if you get an invite, can you buy at MSRP? Scalpers are still managing to sell RTX 5090 cards for over $3,000, while retailers have quietly increased prices due to high demand.
Nvidia’s priorities seem to be heavily skewed towards AI and data centers. Reports indicate that GB200-series AI chips consume most of TSMC’s 3nm supply, leaving consumer GPUs like the RTX 5090 in short supply. If Nvidia wanted to prioritize gamers, they could adjust their production strategy—but right now, the money is in AI, not gaming.
Will RTX 5090 Prices Keep Rising?
Even though rumors suggest that Nvidia will release more stock within a month, the question remains: Will prices drop, or will they stay high?
💰 Current pricing situation:
- Official MSRP for RTX 5090: $1,999
- Scalper prices: $3,000+
- Retailer markups: Asus RTX 5090 is now $3,409 (a $300 increase in just a week!)
Even MSI’s official store increased the price of the RTX 5080 by over $100, proving that demand is still outpacing supply. If Nvidia’s promised stock refresh happens, prices might stabilize—but if scalpers remain aggressive, we could still see inflated pricing for months.
Additionally, the RTX 5070 Ti is launching on February 20, and while it will likely be in high demand, it might help alleviate some of the pressure on the high-end market. Gaming laptops featuring RTX 50-series GPUs will also start shipping in late February, which could spread demand across different segments.
Final Verdict: Can You Get an RTX 5090?
Nvidia’s Verified Priority Access is a step forward but not a perfect fix. It may help genuine gamers get a shot at an RTX 5090 or 5080, but stock shortages, scalping, and technical issues remain.
If you’re hoping to buy an RTX 5090, here’s what you should expect:
✔️ Higher stock levels may arrive in a month, but competition will still be fierce.
✔️ If you apply for Verified Priority Access and qualify, you might have a chance—but it’s still not guaranteed.
✔️ Expect prices to stay high, at least in the short term. Scalpers and retailers will keep pushing for higher margins.
✔️ If you can wait, it might be better to hold off until supply normalizes later this year.
For now, Nvidia’s GPUs are still a luxury item, and unless you’re extremely lucky or willing to overpay, it might be best to wait for the dust to settle.
