What are Graded Video Games?

Welcome to the exciting world of graded video game collecting! If you're new to this hobby, you might be wondering: what are graded video games?

Graded video games are video games that have been professionally evaluated and assigned a grade by third-party grading experts like WATA, CGC, and VGA. These companies specialize in evaluating the condition of video games, including the game's packaging, manual, and disc or cartridge. The grading process typically involves an expert evaluation of the item's physical condition, followed by a numerical grade that corresponds to a specific scale.

So, what do these grades mean? Graded video games are typically graded on a 10-point scale, with 10 being the highest possible grade. If a game is sealed, it will receive an independent grade for its seal, representing the quality of the original seal on the game packaging. Seal grades generally range from A++ to F. Accordingly, a sealed game that has been graded 9.8 B, has a box in impeccable condition, but the seal will have some flaws, such as small tears or heavy scratches.

If a game is unsealed but 'Complete in Box' (or, "CIB"), the numerical grade will be a composite score based on the condition of the game's original packaging, manual, and game cartridge or disc.

The grading process can be rigorous, and grading companies often use high standards when evaluating video games. The condition of the packaging, manual, and disc or cartridge can all impact the final grade of a game. Even a small tear or dent in the packaging can result in a lower grade. At the highest levels, the positioning of cover inserts and sharpness of box corners can affect the grade.

So why collect graded video games? For many collectors, graded video games offer a unique opportunity to own rare and valuable pieces of video game history. For others, the cases used to encapsulate graded games (often referred to as "slabs") are an excellent means of preserving and protecting their most-loved games. Graded video games are also highly sought after by collectors and can command high prices at auction or through online marketplaces.

Whether you're a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the hobby, graded video game collecting can be an exciting and rewarding pursuit. With their unique grading system and high standards for quality, graded video games offer collectors a unique way to own and appreciate video game history.