AMD unveiled its next-generation graphics cards, the RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT, at CES 2025. Intriguingly, these RDNA 4 GPUs were absent from AMD's keynote, though vendors showcased them on the show floor with specifications under wraps. David McAfee, VP & GM of Radeon Graphics and Ryzen CPUs, subsequently announced a March 2025 release date on Twitter/X. "Radeon 9000 series hardware and software are looking great, and we are planning to have a wide assortment of cards available globally," McAfee stated. "Can't wait for gamers to get their hands on the cards when they go on sale in March!"

The March 2025 launch date is confirmed for the AMD RX 9070 and 9070 XT, yet AMD remains tight-lipped on specifics like pricing and detailed specifications. Market speculation points towards these GPUs competing with Nvidia's upcoming RTX 5070 and RTX 5070 Ti, slated for a February release, in both price and performance. However, reports suggest that RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT stock has already reached retailers and reviewers, with eTeknix confirming receipt of review samples.

This pre-release availability has fueled speculation about AMD's strategic timing. The delay might be a calculated move to directly counter Nvidia's RTX 5070 and 5070 Ti, allowing for a more direct comparison. Another theory suggests pricing pressure from Nvidia influenced AMD's decision to postpone the official launch.

The RX 9070 launch messaging has been notably muddled, reflecting the scarcity of concrete details. A June 2024 report highlighted Nvidia's commanding 88% share of the discrete GPU market, leaving AMD with a mere 12%. Facing a lack of significant competition in the mid-range and high-end consumer GPU market, AMD's success hinges on a shrewd strategy to challenge Nvidia's dominance.