Today marks the return of Nvidia’s Priority Access draw system, designed to provide gamers in the United States with an opportunity to purchase the latest RTX 5090 or RTX 5080 Founders Edition graphics cards at full retail price. Given recent stock struggles, the resumption of this program is a welcome development for many.

How It Works

To qualify for the Priority Access draw, participants must have created an Nvidia account before 6 AM Pacific Time on January 30, 2025, and they need to complete this form.

Once registered, Nvidia plans to send purchase invitations starting next week, but stock limitations mean that not every participant will successfully acquire a card. Despite the exclusive nature of this draw, Nvidia has not disclosed the total number of units allocated for Priority Access, leaving many uncertain.

Concerns and Observations

While the program may promise a fair chance at purchase, skepticism surrounds its execution, particularly with the inclusion of creators among the eligible participants. The draw system also raises questions regarding the implications for other retail partners, effectively tightening Nvidia’s grip on the market.

Overall, industry analysts note that, with demand outpacing supply, Nvidia’s return to this system appears to be a strategic move to streamline sales while mitigating scalper activity in the marketplace.