Edited By
Emily Johnson

A wave of anger is sweeping through gaming forums as ASUS cancels pre-orders for its new RTX 5090 graphics card. After previously paying $4607, customers found ASUS demanding $5090 for the same card, igniting a fierce backlash among gamers.
Many people expressed their frustration online, claiming the company's decision came as no surprise given ASUS's reputation. A frustrated forum member stated, "Very gross shit by ASUS here, but Iโm not surprised." The abrupt price hike has not only angered those affected but also sparked discussions about the company's ethical practices, with some people comparing it to Corsair's controversial moves in the past.
Commenters didn't hold back when voicing their opinions:
"They canceled hundreds of orders that were already paid for only to jack the price up nearly 50%."
Another user added, "Itโs pretty hilarious that when they launched people meme'd that it would be this only for it to actually be this price."
The prices seem particularly egregious in light of the downturn in the GPU market. One user suggested that paying $5,000 for a GPU in 2026 could be seen as foolish. With prices seemingly doubling overnight, there are fears of a trend that impacts gamers nationwide.
While the sentiment is overwhelmingly negative, some users are finding humor amidst the chaos. Comments like, "Gonna sell my Radeon VII for $7!" paint a picture of a community trying to cope with surprising market shifts. Others remarked on how the situation reflects broader trends in tech pricing and how it affects consumer trust.
"This sets a dangerous precedent for companies in the tech space," warned a top commenter.
โผ Many canceled orders have been reported due to price hikes.
๐ฅ Customer dissatisfaction is at an all-time high with comparisons to past scandals.
๐ค "If youโre paying $5k for a GPU in 2026 you might actually be a dumbass," stated a user, highlighting mixed sentiments.
This developing story is shaping up to be a hot topic as companies face increasing scrutiny over their pricing strategies. Are consumers about to take a stand against what seems to be a growing trend in corporate greed?
There's a strong chance that the backlash against ASUS will lead to significant changes in the company's pricing strategy. Experts estimate that if the company doesnโt address customer dissatisfaction quickly, it could lose a sizable share of its loyal gamer base, potentially around 30%. Consumers are becoming more aware of market trends and will likely push back harder against steep price increases. If ASUS fails to manage this effectively, we could see a broader trend of gamers seeking alternatives, likely favoring smaller brands or even waiting for price corrections. With many voicing disdain over the current pricing model, ASUS might also face pressure to improve transparency in its pricing practices or risk a deeper reputation dive.
A less obvious parallel can be drawn from the early 2000s when cell phone manufacturers faced backlash for drastically increasing contract prices while limiting device availability. Much like todayโs GPU market, consumers felt trapped, paying premium prices for cutting-edge technology without any alternatives. This scenario ignited consumer advocacy movements leading to greater scrutiny of telecom pricing practices. The tech world then witnessed shifts in consumer loyalty, with brands being forced to adapt to the new demands for fair pricing. Just like those dissatisfied phone customers pushed for change, today's gamers might just rally together to hold companies accountable, transforming the landscape yet again.