What Is Video Game Grading?
Video game grading is the process of having a professional third-party service assess the condition of a sealed or complete game, assign it a numerical grade, and encapsulate it in a tamper-evident protective case — commonly called a "slab." It's modeled after the long-established coin and comic book grading industries.
For collectors, graded games offer authentication, standardized condition assessment, and long-term preservation. For investors, they provide a verifiable benchmark for market transactions.
The Major Grading Companies
WATA Games
WATA is currently the most recognized name in video game grading. Founded in 2018, they grade games on a scale from 0.5 to 10.0, assessing two components separately:
- Box Grade (1.0–10.0): Evaluates the condition of the outer packaging — corners, seams, gloss, and overall presentation.
- Seal Rating (A++ to C): For sealed games, assesses the quality and authenticity of the original factory seal.
A WATA grade of 9.8 A++ represents a near-perfect sealed game with pristine box and an exceptional factory seal.
VGA (Video Game Authority)
VGA was one of the earliest video game grading services, predating WATA. They use a slightly different numeric scale and grading criteria, and their slabs are rectangular with a distinct aesthetic. VGA grades are still widely accepted in the market, though WATA has become the more dominant standard for auction records and high-profile sales.
What Affects a Game's Grade?
| Factor | What Graders Look At |
|---|---|
| Box Corners | Creasing, splitting, crushing |
| Box Gloss | Surface wear, scratches, scuffs |
| Seal Integrity | Tears, resealing, yellowing |
| Label/Cart | Writing, water damage, fading |
| Completeness | Manual, inserts, registration cards present |
Should You Get Your Games Graded?
Grading makes the most sense in specific circumstances:
- High-value sealed games: If you own a sealed copy of a rare or sought-after title, grading protects and authenticates it.
- Planning to sell: A grade from a reputable service often commands a significant premium at auction.
- Long-term preservation: The hard acrylic case provides excellent UV and physical protection.
For loose cartridges, common titles, or games you intend to play, grading generally doesn't make financial sense. Grading fees, turnaround times, and shipping costs can exceed the value added for lower-tier items.
Understanding Graded Game Prices
The graded game market can be volatile. A few principles to keep in mind:
- Population reports matter: Both WATA and VGA publish "pop reports" — the total number of copies graded at each grade level. Rarity at a given grade drives value.
- Not all 9.8s are equal: The seal rating significantly affects price. A 9.8 A++ will far outprice a 9.8 B+.
- Market swings are real: The graded game market saw a significant boom and correction between 2020 and 2022. Research recent sold listings rather than relying on historic highs.
Alternatives to Grading
If you're not ready to slab your games, you can still assess condition meaningfully using community-standard terminology:
- Mint / Near Mint (NM): Near perfect, no meaningful wear
- Very Good (VG): Light wear visible, still presentable
- Good (G): Noticeable wear, fully functional
- Fair / Poor: Heavy wear, damage present
Conclusion
Grading is a useful tool for serious collectors and those transacting in high-value games — but it's not necessary for every collector. Understanding how grades are assigned and what drives graded game prices will make you a smarter buyer and seller, whether you ever submit a game or not.