Japan’s Video Card Shortage: When Shelves Turn Into Mirages

In light of rising RAM prices, several computer stores in Akihabara, Japan, have imposed purchase limits on video cards with 16GB or more of VRAM. Empty shelves for video cards have started to appear in some stores. Video card prices are not increasing as rapidly as those for RAM and SSDs. Although the upward trend in video card pricing is less apparent, some vendors note, “It’s more about the speed of stock turnover, and price hikes might just be a matter of time.” Amidst this, some retailers have begun limiting purchases of Nvidia RTX 5060 Ti 16GB and AMD Radeon RX 9000 series video cards, restricting customers to one card each. In stores, it’s claimed, “Currently, it’s very difficult to find video cards with significant VRAM capacity. While we still have some stock, it’s hard to say when the next shipment will arrive or if it will at all.” Moreover, similar concerns have begun spreading across many stores. A computer shop owner admitted, “This wave of shortages has affected not only high-performance video cards but also mid-range products like the RTX 5060 Ti and RX 9060 XT, which are available with both 8GB and 16GB of VRAM. It is likely that restocking the 16GB version will prove challenging in the future.”

Recent Trends and Market Developments

Over recent months, the video card market has experienced instability due to various factors, including increased demand from cryptocurrency miners and gaming enthusiasts, which has depleted stock and driven up prices. Manufacturing slowdowns and logistical disruptions have further strained availability.

NVIDIA and AMD: What’s Next?

Upcoming releases, such as the anticipated NVIDIA RTX 5060 Ti and AMD Radeon RX 9000 series, are keenly awaited by consumers hoping for improved performance and availability. However, the industry’s current supply chain constraints might delay these launches or limit their initial availability, exacerbating the shortage.

Retailer Strategies and Customer Reactions

Retailers are implementing various strategies to manage stock, including limiting customer purchases and prioritizing long-term clients. This has drawn mixed reactions from customers, ranging from understanding the logistical challenges to frustration over limited supply and rising prices.