Nvidia Faces Backlash Over GB10/N1X PR Stunt Amid Delayed Launch and Broken Promises

Nvidia is pulling a well-worn PR tactic in its latest move surrounding the delayed GB10/N1X chip, widely expected to power next-generation AI laptops and workstations. Despite repeated delays and shifting timelines, the company is now distributing a tiny number of pre-production units to select media outlets, creating the illusion of imminent availability. The GB10/N1X, originally hyped as the DGX Spark and Station and positioned as a breakthrough AI device for late 2024 and early 2025, has seen its launch pushed back multiple times. Early promises from Jensen Huang, including a claim of full production during Computex 2024, were quickly undermined by real-world delays. The chip’s development has been hampered by persistent bugs and manufacturing challenges, with the timeline now shifting toward a Computex 2026 release—over a year behind earlier projections. OEMs like Dell had built their fall 2025 product plans around the chip, only to be left scrambling when it became clear the device wouldn’t be ready on schedule. The delay has sparked frustration across the industry, especially as competitors push forward with their own AI hardware. In response, Nvidia has launched a limited seeding program, distributing fewer than 20 units across several OEMs. These devices are not functional in their intended use—most cannot run Windows reliably and come with a long list of known hardware bugs. Despite this, recipients are being asked to report on the devices as if they were production-ready, with strict instructions including a mandatory return by October 15th. This unusual requirement, coupled with the devices’ poor state, suggests a deliberate effort to manufacture the appearance of progress. The strategy is clear: by handing out a few non-working units, Nvidia can claim the chip is “in production” and meet the letter of past promises, even if it fails to deliver on the spirit. This kind of staged rollout is a familiar tactic, especially from a company that has repeatedly missed deadlines and shifted timelines with little accountability. Behind the scenes, two major technical issues and one unresolved manufacturing problem are cited as the root causes of the delay. While details remain under wraps for subscribers, the list of critical errata continues to grow, making it unlikely that OEMs will adopt the chip without significant fixes. In the end, Nvidia’s actions highlight a growing pattern of prioritizing perception over substance. With the AI hardware race intensifying, the company’s credibility is on the line. But for now, the message is simple: when you don’t have a product, fake it—just don’t expect anyone to believe it.