How To Get A Game Graded

How to Get a Game Graded: A Complete Guide for Collectors

Getting a video game graded has become one of the most popular ways for collectors to protect, authenticate, and increase the value of their prized titles. Consider this: whether you own a sealed copy of a classic cartridge or a rare modern release, professional grading can transform an ordinary game into a verified collectible with a certified condition rating. This guide walks you through exactly how to get a game graded, what the process involves, how grading companies evaluate your item, and what to expect in terms of cost and results That's the part that actually makes a difference..

What Does It Mean to Get a Game Graded?

Game grading is the process of having a third-party authentication company inspect, evaluate, and seal a video game inside a protective, tamper-evident case. The company assigns the item a numerical grade based on its physical condition and, for sealed games, verifies that the shrink wrap and contents are authentic and unopened.

Counterintuitive, but true.

The two dominant grading authorities in the hobby are WATA Games and the Video Game Authority (VGA). Both organizations have built reputations for consistent standards, and a slab from either company can significantly boost buyer confidence when you decide to sell or trade Not complicated — just consistent..

Grading serves three main purposes:

• Authentication — confirming the game is genuine and not a reproduction or counterfeit.
• Preservation — sealing the item in an archival case that protects it from dust, moisture, and handling.
• Valuation — providing an objective condition rating that the market uses to determine price.

Why Collectors Choose to Grade Their Games

Before learning the steps, it helps to understand why grading matters. So a raw (ungraded) game leaves condition and authenticity up to the buyer's judgment, which creates uncertainty. A graded game removes that doubt.

Collectors grade their games for several reasons:

1. Higher resale value — A high-grade sealed game can sell for many times the price of the same title in loose or ungraded condition.
2. Investment protection — Certified slabs are easier to insure and store safely.
3. Provenance and trust — A neutral third party vouches for the item, which is especially valuable in online marketplaces.
4. Personal satisfaction — Many enthusiasts simply enjoy owning a beautifully preserved, officially certified piece of gaming history.

Step-by-Step: How to Get a Game Graded

The grading process is straightforward once you understand each stage. Here is a complete walkthrough Simple, but easy to overlook. Worth knowing..

Step 1: Choose a Grading Company

Decide between WATA Games and VGA, or another reputable authentication service. Which means research each company's turnaround times, pricing tiers, and the types of items they accept. Consider this: wATA is widely recognized for high-value sealed games, while VGA has a long history grading both loose and boxed titles. Choose the one that best fits your item and budget It's one of those things that adds up. Which is the point..

Step 2: Review Submission Requirements

Every company publishes a submission guide detailing what they accept and how items must be prepared. Common requirements include:

• The game must be authentic and free of obvious tampering.
• Loose games should be cleaned gently but not altered.
• Sealed games must retain their original shrink wrap.
• Certain fragile or oversized items may require special handling.

Step 3: Create an Account and Fill Out the Submission Form

Most grading companies operate through an online portal. You will create an account, describe each item, declare its value, and select a service tier. The declared value helps determine insurance coverage and the appropriate pricing level.

Step 4: Choose Your Service Tier

Grading companies offer multiple tiers based on turnaround speed and declared value. Higher-value items typically require faster or more expensive tiers. Expect to pay more for expedited service and for high-value collectibles that need extra insurance.

Step 5: Package and Ship Your Game

Proper packaging is critical. Use protective materials such as:

• Bubble wrap or foam padding around the game.
• A rigid cardboard box with cushioning on all sides.
• Waterproof inner wrapping for extra security.

Insure the shipment and use a tracked carrier. This protects you financially if the package is lost or damaged in transit That's the part that actually makes a difference..

Step 6: Wait for Evaluation

Once the company receives your item, professional graders inspect it under controlled lighting. They assess authenticity, completeness, and cosmetic condition. For sealed games, they examine the wrap for quality, alignment, and any signs of resealing Worth keeping that in mind..

Step 7: Receive Your Graded and Slabbed Game

After evaluation, the company assigns a grade, encapsulates the game in a tamper-evident acrylic case (often called a "slab"), and attaches a label with the grade, title, and a certification number. The item is then shipped back to you, fully insured.

Understanding the Grading Scale

Grades are the heart of the process. Both major companies use a 1 to 10 scale, where 10 represents flawless, mint condition. Understanding this scale helps you set realistic expectations Easy to understand, harder to ignore. But it adds up..

• 9.8 – 10 (Mint to Gem Mint): Near-perfect or perfect condition with virtually no visible flaws.
• 8.0 – 9.0 (Very Good to Near Mint): Minor imperfections that are difficult to notice.
• 6.0 – 7.5 (Good to Fine): Noticeable wear such as light creases or small marks.
• 3.0 – 5.5 (Very Good to Good): Moderate wear, visible flaws, but still complete.
• 1.0 – 2.5 (Poor to Fair): Heavy wear, damage, or significant defects.

For sealed games, graders also evaluate the shrink wrap separately, assigning ratings for wrap quality, seam condition, and overall presentation. A game can score high on completeness but lower on wrap quality, so both factors influence the final result.

Factors That Affect a Game's Grade

Several elements determine how your item scores:

• Box condition — dents, creases, fading, and shelf wear all lower the grade.
• Completeness — missing manuals, inserts, or discs reduce the rating.
• Label and cartridge quality — scratches, tears, or discoloration matter.
• Shrink wrap integrity — for sealed items, original wrap quality is essential.
• Authenticity — any sign of reproduction results in rejection or a very low grade.

Cost and Turnaround Time

Grading fees vary widely depending on the declared value, service tier, and number of items. Everyday games cost less to grade, while rare, high-value titles command premium pricing due to insurance and handling. Turnaround times range from a few weeks for standard service to several days for expedited tiers, though busy periods can cause delays.

Always factor in shipping costs (both directions), insurance, and the membership or handling fees some companies charge.

Tips for a Successful Grading Experience

• Research comparable sales before grading to confirm the potential value justifies the cost.
• Do not clean sealed games aggressively, as this can damage the wrap and lower the grade.
• Photograph your item before shipping to document its condition.
• Insure every shipment and keep tracking numbers.
• Be patient — quality grading takes time, and rushing rarely helps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth getting a game graded? If your game is rare, valuable, or in excellent condition, grading often

pays for itself, turning a good copy into a trusted market asset. A high-grade slab can increase buyer confidence and resale value, but the return depends on the game’s rarity and current demand. For a common title in average condition, professional grading may not be worth the cost, whereas a rare release in pristine condition can justify the investment It's one of those things that adds up..

Quick note before moving on.

Is grading necessary for collectors? Not always. Many collectors grade only standout titles, imports, or items they plan to trade. Others maintain ungraded libraries for personal enjoyment, since grading is not required to own or enjoy a game Took long enough..

What happens after grading? Once submitted, the item is typically inspected, documented, and sealed into a tamper-evident slab. The final label includes the assigned grade, condition notes, and authentication details. After production, slabs are stored and insured until shipped to the collector.

Final Thoughts

Professional game grading can be a valuable service, but it is not a magic solution. The final grade reflects an assessment of condition, completeness, and packaging, yet market demand ultimately influences what the grade is worth. Before submitting a game, collectors should research comparable sales, compare service fees, and honestly evaluate the item’s potential.

If the game is rare, valuable, or exceptionally well-preserved, grading can enhance its credibility and long-term value. If not, careful handling and documentation may be more

practical—and often just as rewarding—for collectors who prioritize personal enjoyment over resale potential.

At the end of the day, grading is a tool, not a requirement. Because of that, whether you choose to slab a prized rarity or keep your collection loose and playable, the best decision is the one that aligns with your goals, budget, and passion for the hobby. Take your time, do your homework, and let the condition of the game—and your own collecting instincts—guide the way.