Submission and Intake
The grading process begins when you submit your game online and ship it to the grading facility. Upon arrival, each game is logged into the system, photographed, and assigned a unique tracking number. This ensures full traceability throughout the process and gives you visibility into where your game is at every stage.
Authentication
Before any condition assessment takes place, the game must first pass authentication. Trained experts examine the game for signs of reproduction, tampering, or modification. This includes checking print quality, label alignment, color accuracy, cartridge mold markings, seal types, and UPC codes. Only games that pass authentication proceed to the grading stage.
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Condition Assessment and Grading
During the grading phase, experts evaluate each component of the game individually. The box is inspected for corner wear, dents, creases, tears, and color fading. The cartridge or disc is checked for label condition, scuffs, and contact pin quality. The manual is assessed for page quality, binding integrity, and any markings. If the game is sealed, the seal quality and integrity are also evaluated. Each component receives a sub-grade, and these are combined into an overall grade using a standardized scale.
Encapsulation and Return
Once graded, the game is carefully placed into a tamper-evident, UV-protective encapsulation case. This case displays the game while protecting it from physical damage, dust, and light exposure. A label on the case shows the game title, platform, overall grade, sub-grades, and a unique certificate number that can be used to verify the grade online. The encapsulated game is then securely packaged and shipped back to you.
Continue your reading
If you want to go one step further after reading about how does grading work, our how to grade video games guide explains grading video games involves understanding condition criteria, preparing your games properly, and choosing a trusted professional grading service.
Collectors researching how does grading work should also look at what is video game grading to better understand video game grading is the professional process of evaluating, authenticating, and encapsulating physical video games to preserve their condition and verify their authenticity.
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