It's another GPU launch gone awry. And this time, it is the high-demand entry-level segment that is feeling the pinch. The Nvidia RTX 3050 that is supposed to have a US$250 MSRP, with some variations in AiB pricing, is already out of stock at major retailers around the world. What's worse is that the odd card or two in stock is being sold at significant markups putting the budget gamer at a serious disadvantage.
https://www.notebookcheck.net/Nvidia-RTX-3050-desktop-GPU-goes-out-of-stock-within-few-hours-after-launch-ludicrous-markup-as-high-as-US-600-for-some-AiB-variants.596043.0.html
From the very start they were listed from 550$ till up to 950$ (asus 800$ and 950$, galax 650$, 820$ zotac 550$, 680$ ect...)
It's gone exactly as it was meant to. They got to spoil the RX 6500 XT launch with a fake MSRP, got a few good reviews at the initial launch prices, and now it's settled back to a silly price. A few rubes will still by them, but overall demand will slacken and they'll be off the hook for supplying large numbers of 3050 cards that make less money than the cash-cow 3060.