Collector's guide
Video game grading
Grading a game means sending it to a specialist company that examines it, gives it a condition grade and seals it in a clear plastic slab. Here's what you need to know to decide whether it's for you.
What grading a game means
An evaluator checks the box, seal, manual and cartridge or disc, and confirms the copy is genuine. Based on that, they give it a grade on their company's scale and seal it in a closed slab with a label: title, platform, grade and certificate number.
The grade means buyer and seller speak the same language: a “9.4” or an “85” says much more than “very good condition”. And the slab protects the copy from dust, light and knocks. In return, the game stays sealed: if you open it, it loses its certification.
Grading companies
Each company has its own scale and way of assessing, so a grade can only be compared with grades from the same company.
Betagrading
Scale 1–100
A Spanish company. It grades out of 100 and sorts copies into categories (sealed, new unopened, used, prototypes…). It also slabs without a grade for anyone who just wants to protect and authenticate their copy.
WATA
Scale 0.5–10
A US company focused on video games. A grade from 0.5 to 10 for the whole item and, for sealed copies, a separate grade for the seal (from A++ to C).
VGA
Scale 10–100
One of the pioneers in the United States. It grades from 10 to 100, with in-between grades marked with “+” (85+, 90+…).
CGC
Scale 0.5–10
Known for grading comics, it moved into video games later. A scale from 0.5 to 10, including 9.9, and a seal grade on sealed copies.
Other companies
There are more services, some of them local. In Games Library you can record any of them: just enter the grade exactly as it appears on the label.
Grading scales
A summary of how each company grades. If in doubt, the slab's label always has the final word.
| Company | Scale | Top grade | Seal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Betagrading | 1–100 | 100 | Assessed within the grade |
| WATA | 0.5–10 | 10 | Separate grade, from A++ to C |
| VGA | 10–100 | 100 | No separate grade |
| CGC | 0.5–10 | 10 | Separate grade, from A++ to C |
Scales can change: always check each company's website before sending anything.
When grading is worth it
- Sealed or like-new copies of sought-after titles: this is where the grade makes the biggest difference to the price.
- High-value copies you plan to sell: the grade and certificate give confidence to buyers at a distance.
- Rare or regional editions, or ones with printing errors, that are worth authenticating.
- Pieces you want to display and protect for years.
- When the game's value comfortably exceeds the cost of the service plus shipping and insurance.
On the other hand, it's usually not worth it for cheap or very common games, or for ones you want to keep playing: grading costs money and seals the copy.
How shipping works
- 1Choose the serviceEach company offers different turnaround times and prices depending on the declared value and how fast you want it.
- 2Fill in the orderYou list the games, their approximate value and your details. Some companies arrange a courier pickup.
- 3Pack it wellA rigid box, plenty of padding and the game centred, not touching the sides. A knock in transit lowers the grade.
- 4Insure the shipmentTake out insurance for the real value, both on the way there and on the way back.
- 5Wait for the assessmentThe game is checked, graded and slabbed. Turnaround ranges from days to months depending on the service.
- 6Receive the slabIt arrives sealed, with its label and certificate number, which you can usually look up on the company's website.
Grading in Spain: Betagrading
If you're looking for a service in Spain, Betagrading grades video games and consoles, collects your shipment by courier and returns the copy slabbed. Check their website for current prices, turnaround times and terms.
Go to BetagradingBetagrading is an external service, independent of Games Library. We don't get paid for this link.
Your graded copies in Games Library
On each game's page you can mark it as graded, choose the company, enter the grade (we validate it against that company's scale), the seal grade and the certificate number, and upload a photo of the slab. Your collection and your public wall show the badge and have a “Graded” filter. If there's no graded value data, we show the ungraded value and say so: we don't make up a multiplier.
Create my collection for freeFrequently asked questions
Can I take the game out of the slab?
Yes, but once you open it the copy loses its certification and the grade no longer counts. If you want to play it, don't grade it.
Is a WATA grade worth the same as a VGA grade?
No. Each company uses its own scale and criteria; grades can only be compared within the same company.
How much does grading raise a game's price?
It depends on the title, the grade and demand. There's no fixed multiplier: that's why Games Library doesn't make one up and only shows a graded value when there's data.
Can I grade a used game?
Yes. Companies also grade used and complete copies; the grade will take into account the wear on each piece.
How do I check that a slab is genuine?
Using the certificate number on the label, on the website of the company that issued it. Be wary if the number doesn't show up or doesn't match the game.
Does Games Library grade games?
No. Games Library is for cataloguing your collection. Grading is done by external companies; we help you record their details.
Informational guide produced by Games Library. The companies mentioned are independent of us; their services, scales and prices may change.