Graded
Graded games explained: WATA, VGA and CGC
What grading is, how the companies and grades differ, why graded prices swing, and how gamepricefeed prices them.
What grading is
A grading company inspects a game, gives it a grade and seals it in a clear case with a label. The main companies for video games are WATA, VGA and CGC. Both sealed and opened games can be graded.
How the grades work
WATA and CGC grade on a 0.5 to 10 scale, and for sealed games add a seal rating such as A++ or A. VGA uses its own number scale, such as 80, 85 and 90. A grade is one company's opinion of condition; the same copy can come back with a different grade from another company.
Why graded prices swing
The grade, whether the game is sealed, which company graded it and how many copies exist at that grade all move the price a lot. Graded game prices rose very fast in 2020 and 2021, which is why older headline sales can look out of step with today.
How gamepricefeed prices graded games
Every company and grade is priced on its own. The game page shows where sealed graded copies start, then every grade we have sales for. We never claim to authenticate a seal or a grade: a graded price is a guide to that company's label.
Questions
Is it worth getting a game graded?
Only when the premium for a high grade is clearly bigger than the cost of grading and shipping, and you're confident about the condition.
Which grading company is best?
Each has its own scale and following. Compare prices for the same game and grade across companies on its page.