Due to the ongoing global shortage of memory chips, NVIDIA is set to disrupt its nearly three-decade-long tradition in 2026. For the first time, the company will not introduce any new gaming GPUs throughout the entire year, while also significantly reducing production of its current GeForce RTX 50 series gaming GPUs. Additionally, the launch of the RTX 60 series, initially planned for mass production by the end of 2027, will also be postponed.

The driving force behind NVIDIA’s strategic shift lies in its decision to allocate scarce memory chips to its far more lucrative AI chip business. Currently, the operating profit margin of NVIDIA’s AI-related computing and networking segments far outpaces that of its gaming GPU division. Over the nine months ending in October 2024, gaming GPU revenue contributed just 8% of NVIDIA’s total revenue—a stark contrast to the 35% share it held during the same period in 2022.

Should memory chip supply and demand conditions improve in the future, NVIDIA may reconsider resuming the release of gaming-focused chips.