NVIDIA has reportedly postponed the release of new graphics cards this year, marking the first such delay in three decades. The decision stems from surging demand for AI technologies, which has overshadowed its gaming business. This shift highlights how AI is reshaping the company's focus and the broader consumer electronics market.
NVIDIA, long known for its graphics processing units (GPUs) that power PCs and gaming consoles, is shifting gears toward artificial intelligence. According to a report from The Information, the company has delayed plans to update its RTX 50 series in 2026. This would be the first time in 30 years that NVIDIA skips launching new gaming chips.
The primary driver is the booming AI sector. AI demand has triggered a global shortage of memory chips, disrupting supply chains across industries, including consumer electronics and automotive. This scarcity has driven up prices for products reliant on these components, such as GPUs, making them hard to obtain.
Gaming now plays a diminished role in NVIDIA's revenue. In the first nine months of 2022, gaming GPUs accounted for 35% of total revenue, but that figure dropped to just 8% in the same period of 2025. Meanwhile, AI chips boast higher profit margins—65% compared to 40% for graphics cards—making them a more attractive focus.
For gamers, the news is disappointing. Those struggling to find the current RTX 50 series won't see the anticipated 'Super' refresh in 2026. The delay also affects the next-generation cards, likely the RTX 60 series, originally slated for mass production by the end of 2027.
This move underscores how AI is eclipsing traditional gaming hardware, leaving enthusiasts in the lurch amid ongoing market constraints.
