Grade Your Complete-in-Box Console as a Complete Package
VGA now offers CIB (Complete-in-Box) grading for video game consoles!
CIB grading allows collectors to have the complete console package evaluated together, including the original box, console hardware, controller(s), hookups, instruction manual, original packaging materials, and any pack-in games or accessories advertised on the box.
The result is one Overall Grade representing the complete package, along with individual subgrades for its major components.
How CIB Console Grading Works
The VGA CIB Overall Grade is determined using the following subgrades:
- Box: 50%
The original console box accounts for half of the Overall Grade. - Console: 40%
The console hardware, controller(s), and hookups account for 40% of the Overall Grade. - Manual: 10%
The original instruction manual accounts for the remaining 10%.
What Is Required for CIB Grading?
To qualify for VGA CIB Console Grading, your submission must include:
- Original Box
- Console Hardware
- Controller(s) and Hookups
- Original Instruction Manual
- Original Packaging Material, such as Styrofoam blocks or cardboard trays
- Any Pack-In Games or Accessories advertised on the box
- Matching Variants
All components must be correct for the specific console variant being submitted. For example, a Round Seal of Quality NES console set must include the corresponding Round Seal of Quality manual.
Baggies, twist-ties, advertising inserts, and other paperwork are not required for CIB grading.
How Are CIB Consoles Displayed?
By default, VGA CIB consoles are encapsulated with the console and components placed inside the original box. This provides a clean display while keeping the complete package together and protected inside VGA’s premium acrylic casing.
Collectors can also choose to have the box, console, controllers, accessories, and other components displayed separately and viewable inside the case, creating an impressive presentation of the complete package.
Because these cases vary considerably depending on the console and components being displayed, this option is priced using VGA’s Custom Size pricing. Our team will provide the applicable size and pricing.
CIB Console Grading Pricing
CIB Console Grading is priced at the applicable VGA grading tier for the console, plus a $35 CIB grading charge.
If you choose to have the components displayed separately outside of the box, additional Custom Size casing charges will apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does CIB mean?
CIB stands for Complete in Box. VGA CIB Console Grading evaluates the console and its required original components together as a complete package.
Do all of the serial numbers need to match?
No. Serial numbers do not need to match for VGA CIB grading.
Collectors may combine appropriate components to create the best complete example possible. However, all components must be correct and appropriate for the specific console or variant being submitted.
Do I need every piece of paperwork that originally came with the console?
No. Only the original instruction manual is required. Advertising inserts, registration cards, additional paperwork, baggies, twist-ties, and similar materials are not required.
Do I need the original packaging materials?
Yes. Original packaging materials used to properly package the console, such as Styrofoam blocks or cardboard trays, are required.
What if a game or accessory was originally included with the console?
If a game or accessory is advertised as being included with the console on the original box, it must be present for the console to qualify for CIB grading.
Can the console and accessories be displayed outside of the box?
Yes. By default, the components are displayed inside the original box. You may instead request a custom case that displays the box, console, controllers, and accessories separately.
These displays are priced according to VGA Custom Size pricing based on the size of the finished case.
How is the Overall Grade calculated?
The Overall Grade is based on three weighted subgrades: Box 50%, Console including hardware, controller(s), and hookups 40%, and Manual 10%.
How much does CIB grading cost?
CIB Console Grading is the regular VGA grading price for the applicable tier plus $35. Custom display configurations may have an additional charge based on case size.
VGA Loose Console & Accessory Grading
Have a rare console or accessory without the original box?
VGA also offers Loose Console and Accessory Grading, giving collectors another way to authenticate, grade, preserve, and display rare, unusual, or visually striking gaming hardware.
From limited-edition consoles and controllers to unique accessories, VGA can preserve them in premium handcrafted acrylic while giving them the professional presentation they deserve.
Preserve the complete package. Grade it with VGA.
