Amazon seems to be taking steps to address the issue of GPU scalping by reserving a portion of its inventory of Nvidia RTX 5000 and AMD Radeon 9000 series graphics cards exclusively for Prime subscribers. As reported by Club386, certain high-end GPUs are only accessible to Prime members, which could help mitigate the effects of scalpers and resellers. Interestingly, Amazon has not officially categorized this initiative as an anti-scalping measure, leaving some room for conjecture regarding its underlying purpose.
A range of Nvidia RTX 5000 series graphics cards, including the RTX 5080 and RTX 5070, are currently marked as “reserved for Prime members” on Amazon, meaning that non-Prime users cannot purchase them. The top-tier RTX 5090 is notably absent from this reservation, likely due to its steep price tag, while the RTX 40 series remains unaffected, potentially because of limited availability.
In the same vein, several AMD Radeon 9000 series GPUs, such as the XFX Quicksilver Radeon RX 9070 OC and Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 9070 XT, are similarly restricted to Prime members. However, these GPUs are currently being sold at inflated prices.
Whether intentional or not, this strategy may deter individuals hoping to buy GPUs in bulk for resale at marked-up prices. Scalping has long plagued the GPU market, with high demand and limited supply often leading to exorbitant prices on secondary platforms. By requiring a Prime subscription, Amazon introduces a paywall that may discourage opportunistic sellers while giving genuine gamers and enthusiasts a better chance at purchase.
This development could be beneficial for those frustrated by previous shortages, but it also raises concerns about accessibility. Critics argue that requiring a paid membership can place an extra burden on consumers who are already facing the high costs associated with new GPU technologies.
Neither Nvidia nor AMD have publicly commented on Amazon’s apparent strategy, leaving questions about whether this is a collaborative effort or a standalone decision by the retailer. Additionally, it remains unclear if this policy will extend beyond initial launch periods or apply to future product releases.
For now, those aiming to secure one of these next-generation GPUs might consider a Prime subscription as a potential advantage in their quest to make a purchase.
