NVIDIA has ignited controversy in the tech media space by selectively granting early access to RTX 5060 drivers only to outlets willing to publish controlled “previews” under strict conditions. This unconventional approach has effectively blocked independent reviews from appearing before the GPU’s launch, raising questions about the company’s confidence in its new product.
How NVIDIA is Controlling the Narrative
Multiple publications including GameStar, GamesRadar, and Tom’s Guide have confirmed they could only obtain drivers by agreeing to NVIDIA’s restrictive terms:
- Handpicked Games: Media were required to test only NVIDIA-approved titles
- Limited Settings: Benchmark configurations were dictated by NVIDIA
- No Free Testing: Outlets couldn’t conduct their standard review procedures
- Preview Mandate: Driver access was contingent on publishing pre-launch content
GameStar explicitly stated they only agreed to these terms to secure driver access for future proper testing, noting this arrangement was “very unusual” in the industry.
Why This Matters for Consumers
This strategy creates several red flags for potential buyers:
- Lack of Transparency – Controlled previews prevent objective performance assessments
- Misleading Marketing – Some previews aren’t clearly labeled, risking consumer confusion
- Delayed Truth – Genuine reviews won’t surface until after launch day
The situation appears particularly concerning given the RTX 5060’s position as a budget-friendly option where price-to-performance ratio matters most to buyers of RTX 5060.
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Industry Backlash and What’s Next
Tech journalists across multiple outlets have expressed frustration with NVIDIA’s approach, which:
- Undermines editorial independence
- Creates an uneven playing field among media
- Potentially hides performance shortcomings
Consumers hoping for reliable benchmarks should wait until after Computex (June 4-7), when unrestricted testing will likely begin appearing from outlets that refused NVIDIA’s terms.