The long-awaited launch of AMD’s Radeon RX 9070 XT has turned into yet another frustrating ordeal for PC gamers. Within seconds of going live, virtually all available stock was wiped out, leaving countless buyers empty-handed while scalpers flooded resale platforms with massively inflated prices.
For many, this launch felt eerily familiar—just another addition to the long history of bot-driven sellouts, artificial scarcity, and broken promises from the gaming hardware industry.
The RX 9070 XT: Sold Out Before You Even Had a Chance
AMD’s Radeon RX 9070 XT debuted at a competitive $599 MSRP, boasting performance rivaling Nvidia’s RTX 4080 while offering a better price-to-performance ratio. Yet, despite AMD’s promises of “wide availability,” reports from gamers paint a very different picture.
- The 9070 XT vanished within seconds – Multiple users reported seeing stock disappear before they could even complete checkout.
- The standard RX 9070 lasted slightly longer – While the flagship XT variant sold out in moments, the non-XT 9070 hung around for about half an hour before it too was gone.
- Resale prices skyrocketed immediately – Almost instantly after launch, listings for scalped RX 9070 XT cards started appearing on eBay and StockX at $850–$1,000, a $250–$400 markup over MSRP.
Gamers flooded social media with complaints. One frustrated Reddit user wrote:
“I was refreshing the page, had one in my cart, and by the time I clicked checkout, it was gone. Scalpers got all of them. This is a joke.”
Scalpers Are Winning—Again
The RX 9070 XT launch follows a disturbingly familiar pattern seen in recent GPU releases.
- Nvidia’s RTX 5090 and 5080 launch (February 2025) – Despite Nvidia’s “Verified Priority Access” system, bots still scooped up most of the stock, leaving resellers to dictate prices.
- Intel Arc B580 launch (December 2024) – Even Intel’s mid-range budget GPUs fell victim to scalpers, proving that no price point is safe from bot abuse.
- AMD’s RX 9000 series launch (May 2025) – AMD previously assured gamers that their latest GPUs would be widely available, but the story repeated itself with the 9070 and 9070 XT vanishing almost instantly.
The problem isn’t just demand outstripping supply—it’s automated scalping software that buys up stock faster than any human can click “Add to Cart.” These bots monitor websites 24/7, automatically adding GPUs to carts the moment they’re available, and completing purchases in milliseconds.
Why This Launch Feels Worse Than Before
Several factors have made the RX 9070 XT launch particularly frustrating for gamers:
1. MSRP Prices Were Only Temporary
Reports indicate that many board partners plan to raise prices soon, meaning the initial $599 MSRP may have been a short-lived marketing ploy. Some retailers have already warned that their next shipments will cost more—potentially adding $50–$100 per card.
2. Retailers Still Aren’t Doing Enough to Stop Scalpers
Despite years of backlash, most online retailers still don’t have effective protections in place to prevent scalper bots from ruining every major GPU launch. While some stores implement purchase limits, it’s clear that scalping networks are still gaming the system.
3. Scalpers Aren’t Even Trying to Hide It
Within hours of the RX 9070 XT selling out, resellers were openly bragging about their successful scalps. On forums and Discord groups dedicated to scalping, users posted screenshots of bulk orders they secured using bot scripts, flaunting their ability to buy multiple GPUs while real customers were left with nothing.
One post even mocked gamers, saying:
“If you didn’t use a bot, you never had a chance. GG.”
What Can Be Done?
Gamers are demanding change—but will anything actually happen?
✔ More aggressive bot prevention – Some retailers, such as Best Buy, have experimented with queue-based systems that require ID verification, but these aren’t widely adopted.
✔ Stronger anti-scalping laws – Countries like Japan and the UK have cracked down on scalping, but in the U.S. and most of Europe, it’s still a free-for-all.
✔ Direct-to-consumer sales from AMD – Nvidia has attempted direct sales through its Founders Edition store, reducing scalping for some models. If AMD sold more cards directly, it might help.
The Bottom Line: The Next Big GPU Launch Will Probably Be Just as Bad
Unless retailers, manufacturers, and lawmakers start taking this issue seriously, the nightmare of instant sellouts and scalper-driven price gouging will continue.
For now, if you still want an RX 9070 XT at a reasonable price, your options are limited:
1️⃣ Monitor restocks – Some retailers release stock in waves, so staying alert could give you a shot.
2️⃣ Try local stores – Micro Center and other brick-and-mortar retailers often get stock that scalpers can’t touch as easily.
3️⃣ Wait for the hype to die down – While frustrating, prices might stabilize in the coming months as supply increases.
But unless something changes, gamers will be reliving this same scalping disaster when the next big GPU drops.
Key Takeaways
- AMD’s Radeon RX 9070 XT sold out in seconds while the standard 9070 lasted about 30 minutes at MSRP prices.
- Graphics card prices are expected to increase after initial stock runs out, according to multiple reports from retailers.
- The rapid sellout continues the pattern of new GPU launches being targeted by scalpers, leaving many gamers unable to upgrade at fair prices.
The Radeon RX 9070 XT Launch Phenomenon
AMD’s Radeon RX 9070 XT launch on March 6, 2025, became a flashpoint for the gaming community as unprecedented demand collided with limited supply, creating a perfect storm in the GPU market.
Technical Specifications and Performance
The RX 9070 XT represents a significant leap in AMD’s graphics technology. Priced aggressively at $599 MSRP at launch, the card offers exceptional value compared to its competitors in the same performance tier.
The card features AMD’s latest AI upscaling and frame generation technologies, dramatically increasing gaming framerates through machine learning algorithms. This advancement allows gamers to enjoy higher resolutions with smoother performance.
When compared to previous generation cards, the 9070 XT delivers approximately 30% better performance in most modern titles. The technology includes:
- Enhanced ray tracing capabilities
- Improved power efficiency
- Support for the latest DirectX and Vulkan APIs
- Fast GDDR6 memory configuration
These specs positioned the 9070 XT as an ideal choice for both 1440p and 4K gaming.
Consumer Anticipation and Market Dynamics
Market anticipation for the RX 9070 XT reached fever pitch before launch. AMD’s competitive pricing strategy at $599 (with the standard 9070 at $549) created enormous interest among gamers seeking high performance without breaking the bank.
Hardware reviewers predicted the cards would sell quickly, with some reports suggesting retailers would sell more 9070 XTs than all GeForce 50 series cards combined in the initial launch window. This prediction proved accurate.
The pricing strategy was particularly appealing in a market where GPU prices had remained stubbornly high. AMD board partners initially kept close to the MSRP, creating a brief window of opportunity for consumers who were quick enough to place orders.
Market dynamics shifted rapidly post-launch as supply constraints became apparent, leading to price increases from both retailers and board partners.
Scalpers’ Impact on Sales
Within hours of the RX 9070 XT launch, online retailers showed “sold out” status across the board. Reports indicate that scalpers used automated purchasing systems to acquire large quantities of the cards before regular consumers could complete their purchases.
This artificial shortage led to immediate price gouging. Cards originally priced at $599 appeared on secondary markets for as much as $1,499 – a 150% markup over MSRP.
AMD’s board partners reportedly began increasing prices for the second wave of stock, responding to the obvious demand and limited supply situation. This created a difficult cycle:
- Limited initial stock sold out instantly
- Scalpers resold at massive markups
- Retailers and board partners raised prices on remaining inventory
- Legitimate gamers were left with no affordable options
The situation mirrors previous GPU launches, suggesting the industry has yet to find effective solutions to prevent scalping during high-demand product releases.
Industry Reactions and Future Implications
The Radeon RX 9070 XT launch has sent shockwaves through the GPU market, causing significant ripples that extend beyond angry gamers and triumphant scalpers. Tech companies, retailers, and the gaming community are now reassessing their strategies in response to this latest product release fiasco.
Manufacturers and Retailers’ Strategies
AMD faces mounting pressure to address its supply chain issues. According to industry sources, the company initially planned an “aggressively low price” for the RX 9070, but this pricing strategy appears to be temporary. Several retailers worldwide have confirmed that early units will sell at MSRP, with prices likely increasing afterward.
NVIDIA, AMD’s chief competitor, is watching closely. They may adjust their own pricing and production strategies for upcoming releases based on consumer reaction to the 9070 XT situation.
Some retailers have implemented purchase limits (one GPU per customer) and anti-bot measures. Best Buy and Micro Center required in-person purchases for some inventory, which helped a small percentage of customers secure cards at MSRP.
Smaller retailers struggled with inventory allocation, receiving as few as 5-10 units per store in some regions.
Gamers’ Responses and Community Sentiments
Gaming forums and social media have erupted with frustration. The hashtag #AMDFail trended briefly after launch day, with users sharing screenshots of “Out of Stock” notices appearing seconds after release.
A recent poll on a popular gaming site revealed:
| Gamer Response | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Extremely frustrated | 68% |
| Will wait for restocks | 22% |
| Switching to competitor | 10% |
Discord communities have organized “stock alert” channels where members help each other track inventory. Some gamers report success through these grassroots efforts rather than official channels.
The perception of AMD has suffered among core enthusiasts, with many questioning the company’s commitment to gamers versus profit margins.
Predictions for Next-Gen Graphics Cards
Industry analysts expect GPU manufacturers to increase production capacity for future releases. The extreme demand signals strong market health despite economic headwinds.
Pricing strategies may shift toward higher MSRPs initially rather than artificially low prices that can’t be maintained. This transparency could reduce frustration even if it means higher upfront costs.
Retailers are likely to develop more sophisticated anti-scalping systems. Some are exploring verified gamer programs or lottery systems similar to those used for limited sneaker releases.
Market watchers predict that supply constraints will ease by Q3 2025, but the next generation of cards will face similar challenges if manufacturers don’t address fundamental production limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Radeon RX 9070 XT launch has created challenges for buyers while raising questions about availability and performance. Many consumers face difficulties securing this graphics card amid limited stock and aggressive scalper tactics.
What strategies can consumers use to purchase a Radeon RX 9070 XT on release day?
Buyers should create accounts and save payment information on multiple retailer websites before launch day. This saves precious seconds during checkout.
Setting up browser auto-fill for personal details and using multiple devices to access different stores simultaneously can increase chances of success.
Some shoppers have found success by joining stock alert Discord servers or following dedicated Twitter accounts that post immediate notifications when inventory appears.
Are there any official retailers offering a waitlist or notification service for when the RX 9070 XT is back in stock?
Several major retailers including Newegg and Best Buy offer email notifications for restocks, though these alerts often arrive too late for high-demand items.
Micro Center has implemented a limited in-store waitlist system at some locations, requiring customers to sign up in person.
AMD’s direct store occasionally offers a queue system during launches, though the website has experienced crashes during previous high-profile releases.
What measures are being taken to combat scalpers for high-demand graphic card releases?
Some retailers have implemented CAPTCHA systems and one-per-household purchase limits to reduce automated buying.
Best Buy has occasionally required in-store pickup for premium graphics cards, making it harder for scalpers to purchase multiple units.
AMD and partner retailers have explored verified customer programs that give priority access to buyers with established purchase histories.
What is the difference in performance between the Radeon RX 9070 XT and its predecessors?
Based on early benchmarks, the RX 9070 XT delivers approximately 30% better rasterization performance than the previous 7000-series models.
The card features improved ray tracing capabilities and a significant boost in AI performance for supported applications.
Reports suggest the 9070 XT competes directly with Nvidia’s RTX 5080 in traditional gaming tasks while offering a better price-to-performance ratio.
Can we expect a restocking of the Radeon RX 9070 XT soon after the initial sellout?
Industry sources indicate weekly restocks are planned, though initial quantities may be limited through April 2025.
The aggressive introductory pricing appears to be temporary, with costs likely to increase after the initial launch period according to retailer reports.
Manufacturing partners are ramping up production, but supply constraints may persist for several months.
How does the supply of the Radeon RX 9070 XT compare to previous graphic card launches?
Initial allocation appears larger than the troubled 6000-series launch but smaller than expected given the anticipated demand.
According to Hardware Unboxed, retailers sold more 9070 XT cards shortly after release than all GeForce 50 series cards combined, highlighting the supply-demand imbalance.
Regional distribution has been uneven, with some markets receiving significantly fewer units than others.
