Best Buy has confirmed that the highly anticipated Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 and 5080 GPUs will not be available in stores when they launch. Instead, buyers will need to visit Best Buy’s website to secure these in-demand graphics cards.
No In-Store Sales for RTX 5090 and 5080 at Best Buy
If you’ve been planning to camp out at Best Buy to grab the latest Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 or 5080 graphics cards, you may be disappointed. Best Buy has clarified that these GPUs will only be available online starting January 30, 2025.
The retailer informed PCMag that the RTX 5090 and 5080 will not be sold in physical stores. Instead, eager buyers will need to visit BestBuy.com when sales go live. Be ready to act fast, as stock is expected to sell out quickly.
When Will Sales Begin?
Best Buy typically launches new products, including GPUs, at 6 a.m. PST / 9 a.m. EST. To get your hands on one, you’ll need to refresh the product page as soon as the stock becomes available. Here are the current listings:
- Nvidia RTX 5090 for $1,999.99
- Nvidia RTX 5080 for $999.99
- Skytech Gaming Legacy4 Gaming Desktop with RTX 5090 for $4,299.99
- CyberPower PC Gamer Supreme Gaming Desktop with RTX 5090 for $4,499.99
- Asus ROG G700 Gaming Desktop with RTX 5080 for $2,399.99
Expect High Demand for RTX 5090 and 5080 GPUs
Best Buy will handle sales on a first-come, first-served basis with a digital queue system. Once stock becomes available, you’ll need to click on the product links as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, Nvidia has warned that the new RTX 5000 series GPUs may sell out quickly, and stock-outs are likely.
Scalpers are already preparing to grab available stock. One bot operator tweeted, “THE GPU GOLD RUSH IS BACK!” The presence of resellers using bots will make it even harder for genuine buyers to score these GPUs.
Some Consumers Are Camping Out at Micro Center
While Best Buy’s online-only sales may frustrate many, some consumers are taking matters into their own hands. Micro Center stores will carry the RTX 5000 series in-store, and customers have already started camping out in anticipation of the launch.
At the Tustin, California, Micro Center, one person reported joining the line at 8 AM with 120 people ahead of them. Micro Center has also implemented a voucher system to ensure fairness. However, Micro Center will not carry the Founders Edition of the RTX 5090 and 5080, which are exclusive to Best Buy.
What’s Next for Best Buy’s In-Store Sales?
It remains unclear when Best Buy will begin offering in-store sales for the RTX 5000 series. A live support agent informed PCMag that in-store sales will eventually happen, but they couldn’t provide a specific timeline. For now, securing a GPU online remains your only option.
Summary: Prepare for Online-Only RTX 5090 and 5080 Sales
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 and 5080 graphics cards are launching soon, and Best Buy will sell them exclusively online. Be ready to act quickly when the digital queue opens at 6 a.m. PST / 9 a.m. EST. Expect stiff competition from scalpers and limited stock.
