Key Highlights:
- Nvidia might be set to cut down GPU production for its consumer RTX GeForce cards by up to 40%.
- This change will be brought about in early 2026.
- This is a result of Nvidia venturing into AI, and leaving gamers behind.
Gamers can’t seem to catch a break, especially after the recent news of Nvidia cutting down its consumer GPU supply chain by nearly half, starting from early 2026. This spells devastating news for those who were looking forward to buying Nvidia cards, and paints a sorrow state of affairs for the whole computing industry.
The reason for this is quite simple really. Nvidia has chosen to turn its back on consumers and has instead decided to focus on chasing profits in the AI bubble. That being said, here’s how it affects consumer purchases and what you could possibly expect later on.
Nvidia to Cut 40% of Its GeForce GPU Lineup in 2026
As per recent reports reiterated by Overclock 3D, Nvidia plans to scale back on its GPU production by up to 40% starting early 2026. So far, this seems to be limited to their RTX 5000 series of GPUs.
While you could likely pick up an older RTX 4000 or even 3000 series right now, these too shall be engulfed in the market’s increasing demand. Hold onto your GPUs close for now, and wait until this all blows over.
As far as the reason goes, it is quite obvious. The recent AI boom has increased the demand for memory and storage components exponentially, and big players are starting to cut off consumer markets in a bid to chase the AI dream.
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This has caused a massive shortage in memory for consumers, and Nvidia is likely not being able to source the GRRD7 modules required for manufacturing these GPUs.
Interestingly enough, the sources also do not mention this change to affect the other sections of Nvidia outside of the consumer market – that is, its specialized non GeForce RTX GPUs.
It can only be assumed that Nvidia has willingly chosen to allocate more resources to its AI and datacenter division, instead of focusing on gaming hardware. Which is a real shame, given how gaming used to always be a major cornerstone for Nvidia.
What Realistically Will Happen (And What to Do About It)
As the demand for memory components surge and the market fails to keep up with demand, the pricing for equipment will rise. At first, we should see a price spike for the already very expensive RTX 5000 series GPUs, followed by very low stock.
While the RTX 4000 and RTX 3000 series of cards might be safe for now, they will also be hit sooner or later, as gamers flock to these cards instead for their systems. It’s a messy situation all around, and there isn’t a whole lot we can do at the moment.
At least until the whole thing washes over. There is little doubt at this point that the AI bubble isn’t particularly sustainable, and until then we will have to hold out.
Expect all manner of PC and general computing components (laptops, mobiles and even smart TVs) to get dearer in their costs over time in the upcoming years. Until then, hold on to your GPUs tight, and wait and see if you really need that new GPU upgrade.
If you’re overdue for an upgrade though, it might be wise to grab whatever you need relatively soonish. Prioritize RAM and GPU purchases first, and look into the used market if you need to, to stay ahead of the great shortage crisis of 2025.
