Image credit: Nvidia
It looks like GPU resellers are going to extremes to get their hands on NVIDIA’s RTX 5090s, and it’s causing a stir in Japan. Local retailers there have now set up a surprising rule to stop tourists from buying these high-end GPUs.
The stock of NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 50 series isn’t in great shape—most of the top models, like the RTX 5090 and 5080, are either sold out or way overpriced. But in Japan, you can still find these flagship RTX Blackwell GPUs on store shelves, probably because demand there isn’t as high. This has led some tourists, especially resellers, to fly to Japan just to grab these GPUs and sell them for a big profit elsewhere. It’s become a real headache for Japanese retailers (according to MyDrivers), who’ve now decided that high-end GPUs can’t be sold to tourists at all. They’ve even put up clear warnings on their shelves, stating that the GeForce RTX 5090 and 5080 are only for people living in Japan.
At first, retailers tried blocking tax-free purchases, which are mostly for tourists, but that didn’t stop the resellers. Now, if you’re a tourist wanting to buy one of these GPUs, you have to pass a “Japanese residence” test at the checkout to prove you’re not just visiting. There might be ways around this, but it’s clear that a lot of resellers—especially from places like China—are coming to Japan just to buy these GPUs and sell them at much higher prices back home.
This rule might seem a bit unusual, but it’s actually a nice move by Japanese retailers who want these GPUs to go to regular buyers, not resellers looking to make a quick buck. With the global demand for NVIDIA’s GPUs being so high, particularly in countries like China where resellers are known for jacking up prices, it often leaves everyday consumers struggling to get their hands on these products at a fair price. What do you think about this restriction? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Sources: MyDrivers News, VideoCardz, Wccftech
