Condition Grading — How VGS Grades
Knowledgeable. Straight-shooting. Collector-to-collector. Every VGS listing states a grade, what’s included, and any flaws we found — in plain language, with photos. If a grade and the item in your hands ever disagree, contact us. That’s the deal.
Our grades
New / Sealed — Factory sealed or new old stock. Seal condition is photographed and stated (tears, corner wear, price stickers). We do not reseal, ever.
Like New — Opened, but looks and plays like it just came out of the package. No visible wear to the item, case, or artwork. Complete unless the listing says otherwise.
Very Good — Light, honest wear: faint disc surface marks that do not affect play, minor case scuffs, light cartridge label wear. Fully tested and working. Flaws are listed and photographed.
Good — Clearly played, clearly cared for. Noticeable but cosmetic wear — disc resurfacing marks, worn labels, case cracks, sun fade, rental stickers. Tested and working. This is our most common grade, and we price it like it.
Acceptable — Heavy cosmetic wear, missing non-essential pieces (manual, inserts), or a former rental/library copy. Tested and working unless the listing says otherwise in bold. Priced for players, not shelf collectors.
For Parts / As-Is — Not working, not fully tested, or incomplete in a way that matters. Sold exactly as described, for repair, display, or parts. No surprises — what’s wrong is in the listing.
What the grade covers, by item
Cartridge games: label condition front and back, shell wear, contacts cleaned, game boots and saves where a battery is involved (battery status is always stated).
Disc games: disc surface under direct light, case and artwork condition, manual included or not. Skips or read errors move an item down a grade or to As-Is — never hidden.
Consoles & hardware: fully tested means power, video/audio output, controller ports, and disc/cartridge reading where applicable. Cables and controllers included are listed one by one. Yellowing, cracks, and mods are stated.
VHS & analog media: tape played/tested where stated, mold check (any visible mold = As-Is, always disclosed), sleeve/box condition graded separately from the tape itself.
What’s included is always listed
Every listing names exactly what you get: game only, case, manual, inserts, cables, controllers — item by item. “Complete in box” only appears when it is actually complete. Photos show the exact item you’re buying, not a stock photo.
Questions about a grade? Call us: 909-264-8749.