VGA offers a Unified 10-Point Grading Scale alongside our Standard 100-Point Scale. The Unified Grade provides collectors with an additional presentation option that aligns with grading formats commonly used for trading cards, comics, and other pop culture collectibles, while maintaining VGA’s established and consistent grading standards.
Unified & Standard Grading | Frequently Asked Questions
What's the Unified Grading Scale? +
The Unified Grade uses a 10-point grading scale and features a new label design. It is designed for collectors who prefer a grading scale appearance that is consistent with trading cards, comics, and other pop culture collectibles.
What's the Standard Grading Scale? +
The Standard Grade uses our existing 100-point grading scale and current label design.
Will the new Unified Scale replace the Standard Scale? +
No. Our Standard 100-point grading scale will remain available. The Unified 10-point scale is an additional option for collectors who prefer that format.
Is the Unified Scale the same as other competitors’ scales? +
No. Our Unified Scale is unique and based on VGA’s own grading standards. While it uses a 10-point format similar to some other products, the grades reflect VGA’s proprietary evaluation criteria.
Will VGA's grading standards change? +
No. VGA is committed to our process that has been developed over many years.
Will the Qualified designation still be offered? +
In the past, VGA often used "Qualified" to denote items that had been opened but were not used. Such items will not be described as "Unused in Box." The Qualified designation will still be used but for items that have features that are atypical or notable in some way, such as unverified signatures or unopened items with the original seal removed.
Are used games accepted for grading? +
Yes. VGA is currently accepting used games that are eligible for our Complete in Box and Cartridge designations. VGA is not currently accepting consoles for Complete in Box grading but has plans to add this service later in 2026.
When will subgrades be added? +
Beginning January 2026, item subgrades will be included on all label types for sealed and Complete in Box games. Our subgrades use a number format.
Will subgrades change the way we issue our overall grade? +
Subgrades will not change the overall grade we issue. They are provided to better describe the condition of the box and seal within the context of the overall grade, both of which we already factor into our overall grade. Nothing is changing about our grading. We are simply providing more detailed information.
Will a grading summary be available for both Unified & Standard grade submissions? +
Yes. You can select a grading summary for a small fee when submitting your item. This is in line with VGA's mission to be the most consistent and transparent grading company in the video game space.
Is What cartridges will VGA grade? +
VGA currently accepts cartridges for the NES, Super NES, N64, Sega Master System, Sega Genesis, Sega 32X, and Atari 2600.
Unified Grade uses a 10-point scale with a new label design
Standard Grade uses a 100-point scale with our existing label design
Both scales reflect the same grade
Sealed games and consoles will display a Sealed label
Opened, unused games and consoles graded as Qualified will now be referred to as Unused in Box
Complete Used games are now accepted
We are currently accepting Sealed and Unused Complete in Box Games
Item subgrades are included on all label types for sealed and CIB games
Coming soon will be detailed photos available for submissions
View our conversion chart below
When you submit you have 2 label options:
Choose Standard Scale (existing label remains mostly unchanged but features additional information) Or
Choose Unified Scale (new label)
More options. Same trusted grading!
Note: VGA grading standards have not changed. The Unified Grade is an alternate way to display the same evaluation using a 10-point format.
This reference is not intended to compare VGA grades to other grading companies. All grades reflect VGA’s proprietary evaluation criteria and historically consistent standards. A Unified Grade represents the same level of quality and scrutiny as its corresponding 100-point grade.
