It’s been announced that AMD’s RDNA 4 graphics card could be delayed. The graphics cards were set to launch at the end of 2024, but now it looks like it could be a 2025 release. Various hardware reporters have stated that AMD is not going to release their RDNA 4 GPUS until CES 2025, but there are some interesting reasons behind the delay, and a lot of it could be because of user preferences leaning towards Nvidia hardware.
Top-Tier Graphics Cards are Becoming Difficult for AMD to Shift
One reason why the graphics cards could be delayed is that AMD is finding it hard to shift their top-tier RDNA 3- 3-based GPUs. Interestingly, companies like Nvidia are experiencing stronger sales than ever. Their market share now stands at 88%, with AMD controlling just 12%. A lot of this is due to the growing interest in gaming. As new games are released, with bigger features and more complex mechanics, the need for a solid graphics card grows. With that being said, there’s still room within the midrange market. For example, if you play Adventures Beyond Wonderland live online you’ll notice that even though you are playing live and connected to a real dealer, the gaming requirements aren’t that high. Technology has made it easier to stream higher quality content, which when combined with the quick decrease in the value of new releases, it’s provided a good entry point for those who want to game.
Although you can connect with people around the world, and the graphics are looking better than ever, you no longer need to spend a fortune on a solid gaming PC in order to play top titles, and in this day and age, average computers are more than capable of handling a range of games.
If you play complex MMORPG games or graphically intensive games, then you may need to upgrade to a top-tier system, with a solid graphic’s card. This is where companies like Nvidia thrive. They control the higher-end market, where people are willing to pay big bucks to get their hands on quality hardware. AMD tends to focus more on the mid-range market, with a focus on money and energy efficiency.
NVIDIA have a Firm Hold on the Market
AMD’s efforts to improve raytracing, when combined with better clock speeds and the infinity cache, have resulted in up to 30% increase in performance. The problem is, people aren’t willing to pay more for it. Casual gamers don’t need a 30% increase in performance, as the system they have is likely able to manage everything they want to play. Serious gamers are more likely to opt for Nvidia. AMD’s inability to shift their higher-end graphics cards has potentially resulted in them having to delay their newest release, which is putting the market share in the hands of Nvidia as well.
AMD’s midrange products are selling very well, but when you look at the higher-end models, gamers seem to want Nvidia. Although there is nothing wrong with this, it’s interesting to see where consumer preferences lie. AMD is ultimately more affordable than Nvidia and provides a solid entry point for those who want to play games casually, at the same time, this has locked the company out of a higher market.
