PC gamers eager for fresh graphics card options may not have to wait much longer. Nvidia’s latest GPUs have been selling out instantly despite their steep prices, leaving AMD as the only alternative. However, AMD’s absence at CES 2025 last month disappointed many hoping for an early glimpse of its next-generation Radeon lineup. That silence is about to break, as AMD’s CEO has now confirmed that the Radeon RX 9070 and 9070 XT will launch in early March, tightening the original Q1 2025 release window.
Previously, AMD only mentioned a broad Q1 release, with March as the latest possible timeframe. But during its latest earnings call, the company provided a clearer picture. Dr. Lisa Su stated, “RDNA 4 delivers significantly better ray tracing performance and adds support for AI-powered upscaling technology that will bring high-quality 4K gaming to mainstream players when the first Radeon 9070 series GPUs go on sale in early March.” This suggests AMD is aiming for an aggressive push in the mainstream gaming segment, an area where Nvidia continues to hold a dominant market share.
While AMD’s CPU division is thriving—led by strong Ryzen 9 9800X3D sales and a 58% year-over-year revenue jump—the gaming sector remains a weak spot. Demand for the current console generation is declining, impacting AMD’s semi-custom chip business, which powers both the Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5. Meanwhile, Nvidia’s continued strength in the desktop GPU market has kept AMD on the defensive. The upcoming Radeon launch could be a make-or-break moment for AMD as it seeks to regain ground. Adding to the strategic shifts, the company will soon merge reporting for its CPU and GPU businesses, indicating a closer alignment between the two product lines going forward.
As for pricing, the RX 9070 and 9070 XT’s cost remains uncertain. AMD is positioning them as successors to the RX 7900 XT, 7900 GRE, and 7800 XT, which initially launched at $900, $550, and $500, respectively. However, with global trade volatility and potential new tariffs affecting electronics prices, predicting final retail costs remains difficult. A rumored AMD event later in February could provide crucial details, including performance benchmarks and pricing clarity. Whether the RX 9070 series can compete with Nvidia’s high-end offerings may ultimately depend on how aggressively AMD prices these GPUs—especially as gamers grow more frustrated with the industry’s rising costs.