Tokyo: A Tokyo electronics store apologized after massive crowds caused chaos over Nvidia‘s latest gaming chips.
Hundreds of buyers, mostly Chinese-speaking, gathered in Akihabara to purchase GeForce RTX 50 series cards.
The overwhelming turnout disrupted the area, blocking sidewalks and trespassing on private property.
As a result, the store canceled the sale and issued an apology.
Massive Crowd Gathers
Up to 400 eager customers arrived outside PC Koubou’s Akihabara store last week.
Akihabara is a famous shopping hub for video games, anime, and electronics.
The store had planned to sell limited GeForce RTX 50 cards through a lottery system.
The unexpected crowd size created disorder and safety concerns.
Disruptions and Apology
Shoppers obstructed sidewalks and spilled onto the road, ignoring staff instructions.
Some individuals even climbed fences, damaging a nearby kindergarten’s property.
Due to the uncontrollable situation, the store canceled the in-person sale.
PC Koubou later apologized for the disruption caused to customers and neighbors.
Tech Restrictions and Demand
The RTX 50 series was launched on January 30 with improved processing power.
These advanced chips enhance gaming visuals and ensure smoother performance.
However, US restrictions prevent Nvidia from selling high-performance chips in China.
China receives modified versions with reduced AI capabilities, frustrating Chinese gamers.
Chinese Gamers Seek Alternatives
Many gamers refer to the restricted version as “castrated” due to performance limitations.
Demand for full-power chips has surged in regions like Japan.
Chinese buyers are traveling abroad to acquire unrestricted versions.
This black-market-style demand has intensified in response to US export rules.
Impact of US Restrictions
The US bans high-performance chips to limit AI development in China.
These controls aim to prevent AI-driven advancements in military technology.
Tech analyst Gil Luria noted gamers value the unrestricted versions’ performance.
Due to restrictions, many seek these chips in foreign markets.
Scenes of Chaos
Videos showed massive crowds squeezing into narrow sidewalks near the store.
Staff attempts to organize the crowd were ignored.
At least one person trespassed into a kindergarten, breaking a fence sign.
The store then switched to an online lottery system for future sales.
Nvidia’s Previous Adjustments
This isn’t Nvidia’s first time modifying chips for China.
Previous gaming chips were also altered to comply with US regulations.
Despite changes, demand for high-powered versions remains strong.
Chinese gamers continue seeking alternatives to restricted versions.
