If you’re like me, you’ve probably discovered a hidden gem in your collection, maybe a childhood game or one passed down through the years.
Over time, I realized how valuable these old games can be, both for nostalgia and market value.
That’s when I came across video game grading, an eye-opening process that ensures your games are protected and accurately valued.
Companies like CGC, WataGames, and VGA offer professional grading services that provide clarity and authenticity.
From my experience, these services are crucial for preserving your collection and making informed buying or selling decisions.
In this blog, I’ll help you understand the key differences between these grading services and guide you in choosing the right one for your collection.
What Is Video Game Grading?
Before looking into CGC, WataGames, and VGA, let’s first understand what video game grading means. From my experience, grading goes beyond checking the game’s condition; it’s a professional evaluation that considers:
- Packaging condition: Is the box in mint condition, or has it seen better days?
- Cartridge/Disc quality: Are there scratches, or is it as fresh as the day it was released?
- Rarity: Just how rare is this game? (The rarer it is, the more valuable it might be!)
- Authenticity: Is the game a real deal or a counterfeit?
Having graded a few of my games, I’ve learned that a proper grade can significantly increase the value of a game, especially when it’s certified and protected.
CGC: The Big Name in Collectibles
If you’ve been in the collectibles world for any time, you probably know CGC.
They’ve been the trusted name in comic book grading for years, and now they’ve expanded to include video games.
I’ve always appreciated their precise grading process, especially for high-value or high-demand games. CGC’s reputation gives me confidence in the accuracy of their grades.
What Sets CGC Apart?
CGC utilizes a 10-point grading scale, ensuring that each game receives a thorough inspection.
I appreciate how they thoroughly assess, detail by detail, from the cartridge’s condition to the packaging, including the shrink wrap.
Once the game is graded, it is encased in a tamper-evident case, offering both protection and security.
Pros
- A Trusted Name: With CGC, I’ve always felt confident in the grading accuracy, thanks to their established history in collectibles.
- Top-Notch Protection: Their tamper-evident cases are a massive plus for me, as I know my games are well-protected.
- Consistency: Based on my experience, CGC’s grading has consistently been reliable and thorough.
Cons
- Pricey: CGC can be more expensive, especially for high-value games.
- Long Wait Times: As CGC is highly popular, I’ve noticed longer wait times compared to other grading companies.
WataGames: The Video Game Specialist
When I first came across WataGames, I was intrigued by their focus on video games. Unlike CGC, which also deals with comics, Wata exclusively specializes in video games.
If you’re a serious collector like me, this level of focus makes a huge difference, especially when grading rare or vintage games.
What Sets WataGames Apart?
Wata uses a 100-point grading scale, which I’ve found to be more detailed than CGC’s 10-point scale. This gives me a better sense of how well a game is preserved.
I’ve also seen that Wata places great emphasis on maintaining the original packaging, which is essential for serious collectors.
Additionally, their holographic grading labels provide an extra layer of security and authenticity.
Pros
- Specialized: Wata’s deep knowledge of video games has always stood out to me.
- Granular Grading: The 100-point grading system is a game-changer (pun intended) and gives me greater confidence in the results.
- Preservation Focus: For me, preserving the original packaging adds significant value to the game.
Cons
- Higher Fees for Rare Games: I’ve found Wata’s pricing can be on the higher side, particularly for rare titles.
- Still Growing: While Wata is quickly becoming a household name, it’s still relatively new compared to CGC.
VGA: The OG of Video Game Grading
Having worked with VGA on several occasions, I’ve come to appreciate their experience in grading.
They’ve been in the business for over 15 years and have a solid reputation in the retro gaming community. If you’re into older, classic games like I am, VGA is a go-to service.
What Sets VGA Apart?
VGA uses a 100-point grading scale, which is similar to Wata’s system. What makes them stand out to me is their vast experience with retro and vintage games.
I trust them to handle even the rarest games in my collection.
Additionally, their pricing is more affordable than CGC and Wata, which I’ve found helpful when grading multiple titles simultaneously.
Pros
- Experience: With over 15 years of experience, I have confidence in VGA’s expertise.
- Affordable: For collectors on a budget, VGA offers excellent value for money.
- Retro Focus: If you’re into vintage games like me, VGA is a reliable choice.
Cons
- Less Focus on Modern Titles: While VGA is fantastic for retro games, they aren’t as specialized in grading newer titles.
- Details: I’ve noticed that VGA’s grading system doesn’t always provide the same level of detail as Wata’s.
CGC vs WataGames vs VGA: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | CGC | WataGames | VGA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grading Scale | 10-point scale | 100-point scale | 100-point scale |
| Specialization | Comics + Video Games | Video Games only | Video Games only |
| Reputation | Well-established, trusted | Growing quickly, specialized | Long-standing in retro gaming |
| Turnaround Time | Longer wait times | Moderate turnaround time | Fast turnaround times |
| Price | On the pricier side | High for rare games | More affordable |
| Focus | Quality & authenticity | Preservation & packaging | Retro & vintage games |
Which Grading Service Should You Choose?
The right choice comes down to your collection and personal preferences. Here’s what I recommend based on my experience:
- CGC: If you’re looking for the most well-established grading service and don’t mind paying a bit more for high-value games, CGC is your best bet.
- WataGames: For rare and vintage games that need detailed grading and preservation, WataGames is the service I trust. The 100-point grading system gives me the peace of mind I need for my most valuable games.
- VGA: If you’re working with retro games or want a more affordable grading option, I highly recommend VGA. Their experience and pricing make them a solid choice.
Conclusion
From my experience, getting your games graded is one of the best things you can do to preserve their value. CGC is perfect for collectors who value a trusted name and top-tier protection.
WataGames shines for rare and vintage game collectors who prioritize detailed preservation, and VGA offers a more affordable option for retro game enthusiasts.
Regardless of which service you choose, grading your games will give you peace of mind, ensuring that your collection is accurately preserved and valued.
If you’re looking to protect childhood memories or invest in rare titles, grading helps safeguard your games for the future.
Happy collecting, and may your game collection grow in value!
