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Video Game Grading Guide: WATA vs VGA vs CGC
WATA, VGA, and CGC all authenticate and encapsulate video games, but their scales, eligible items, service tiers, and market acceptance differ. Choose the service only after comparing the likely graded premium with fees, shipping, insurance, turnaround, and the risk of a lower-than-expected grade.
WATA vs VGA vs CGC at a glance
| Grader | Scale | Eligible focus | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WATA Games | 10-point box grade with separate seal designation | Sealed, CIB, and loose game collectibles | Review current rules |
| VGA | 100-point Standard or equivalent 10-point Unified label | Sealed and eligible complete packaged games | Review current rules |
| CGC Video Games | 10-point scale with condition-specific services | Sealed, cartridge-only, box-only, and eligible CIB games | Review current rules |
Current published costs and turnaround
Checked July 15, 2026. Grader prices and turnaround estimates can change without notice. Confirm the final quote before shipping a game.
WATA Games
WATA's publicly indexed pages did not expose a dependable current fee and turnaround table during this review. Use the official submission portal for the live quote rather than relying on an old promotion or third-party summary.
Check WATA directlyVGA
For standard-size games, VGA lists Standard Vintage at $50 and Standard Modern at $40, both with an estimated four-month turnaround. Faster published tiers range from $75 Express to $250 Walk-through.
VGA pricing sourceCGC Video Games
CGC lists Standard at $50 per game with an estimated 80 working-day turnaround and a $5 handling fee per submission. Membership discounts and other tiers may change the total.
CGC fee sourceHow grading scales differ
A number cannot be compared across graders without its scale. VGA's Standard label uses 100 points, while its Unified label maps the same evaluation to a 10-point presentation. WATA and CGC also use 10-point presentations, but each company applies its own standards and labels.
Compare sold prices within the same grader and nearby grade whenever possible. A WATA 9.2, VGA 85, and CGC 9.2 are not automatically interchangeable market evidence.
Box grade vs seal grade
The box assessment covers corners, edges, crushing, creases, color, and structural condition. The seal assessment considers authenticity and the physical state of the shrinkwrap or factory seal.
A strong box can have a weaker seal, and a clean seal can cover a damaged box. Read the full label and grader notes instead of reducing the collectible to one headline number.
When grading may be worth the fee
- The game is authentic, scarce in its exact variant, and in unusually strong condition.
- Condition-matched graded sales show a premium that comfortably exceeds fees, shipping, insurance, and selling costs.
- Authentication materially reduces reseal or counterfeit risk for a future buyer.
- You value long-term protection and standardized condition even without a resale plan.
When raw storage may be better
- The likely market value is close to the total submission cost.
- The box or seal has obvious defects that make a premium grade unlikely.
- Comparable graded sales are sparse or do not show a stable premium.
- You want to play the game, inspect its contents, or avoid a long turnaround.
Controversies and market risk
Collectors have debated grading consistency, population growth, market incentives, label changes, and the premiums attached to small grade differences. A slab is strong third-party evidence, not a guarantee of authenticity, liquidity, or future value. Review high-resolution images, certification details, provenance, and recent same-grader comps before buying.
Use sold evidence before submitting
Rumble Deals keeps graded sales separate from raw-sealed sales and reports the grader mix when titles reveal it. That helps you assess whether the visible premium is backed by comparable evidence.