AMD's RX 9070 XT Launch Highlights GPU Pricing and Availability Challenges

Despite increased stock at launch, concerns grow over potential price hikes and the broader state of the GPU market.

AMD's RX 9070 XT launched with competitive pricing and performance, offering a $600 MSRP option with features rivaling Nvidia's RTX 5070 Ti.
Initial stock levels were higher compared to Nvidia's recent launches, but many MSRP-priced cards sold out quickly, leaving higher-priced options as the primary choice for buyers.
Retailers in Europe and the U.S. indicate that MSRP pricing may only apply to the first shipment of cards, with future restocks expected to come at higher prices.
The GPU market remains strained as manufacturing resources are increasingly diverted to AI applications, limiting availability for gaming-focused hardware.
Consumers and critics call for better pricing strategies and systems to prevent scalping and ensure fair access, citing successful examples like Valve's Steam Deck reservation system.