VGA Gradings?

Tatsujin · 02/25/2013, 09:57 PM

What is your honest opinion about it?
What are some of the advantages as well disadvantages it brings along to us gamers, collectors, hipsters etc.
How do you think it will change the future of all our beloved retro gaming overall?

bartre · 02/25/2013, 10:19 PM

it's dumb.
games were created to be played, so play them.
it's like displaying a box of oreos, you're missing the point.

nectarsis · 02/25/2013, 10:34 PM

This poll is le fail as you can't choose all 3 of these superb chocies:

It's pure bullshit (only profiteer are the VGA guys themselves)
For your gougers only
It sucks big duck dicks in hell

Tatsujin · 02/25/2013, 10:39 PM

poll accordingly adjusted

note: reset the counter back to "0"

nectarsis · 02/25/2013, 10:41 PM

Quote from: Tatsujin on 02/25/2013, 10:39 PMpoll accordingly adjusted

note: reset the counter back to "0"

Psycho Punch · 02/25/2013, 10:54 PM

VGA is bullshit... it skyrockets game prices for some reason... if someone seals up a Magical Chase you should just decrease your expectation to have it unless you're Bruce Wayne.

I also find VGA graded Maddens funny. No one wants the game, why someone would suddenly want to have your VGA 90+ copy of Madden' 99 for an absurd price?

tggodfrey · 02/25/2013, 11:37 PM

i voted its awesome, just because i wanted to stand out...lol

TR0N · 02/26/2013, 01:46 AM

It's for gouging when it comes down to it beside it being bs !

Ji-L87 · 02/26/2013, 03:42 AM

If you have a game in mint condition, and you decide to box it in order to properly present/preserve it better, that's one thing. That's fine.

Now, VGA grading is stupid and needs to stop. Because it's retarded. Even people who collect sealed games thinks so.

But I'm all for sticking a pristine copy in a box, if you want to. Now, even if it's boxed it might still not stand the test of time so play that game while you can. Unless you have doubles and have one of those fancy IKEA showcases or something.

Edit:
Now, allow me to express my thoughts further in a more serious fashion

Playing "retro" games is, well, all about enjoying the classics, games from the pages of history. As such, like all other kinds of historical things, I strongly feel that games with historical value should be preserved so that we can look at them and enjoy them in the future, maybe even play them. Emulation probably takes care of that last part.

However, VGA grading is not about doing that. It's about the satisfaction of owning a pristine "mint" copy and having a "trustworthy" (lol!) source tell you that, yes, the game you paid good money for is totally worth all you gave for it. Yes sir. And with that, collectors can rub VGA graded games in each other faces all they like.

If people behind such grading schemes were actually interested in preserving the games, the wouldn't stick that stupid sticker on top it, and charge the kind of money they do. These people belong with the same kind of crowd that got in legal trouble for "correcting" Neo Geo AES labels.

Tatsujin · 02/26/2013, 04:27 AM

QuoteWhat is more hilarious that peple buy cases of current gen xbox360, 3ds and ps3 games , grade it and try to sell at 10x prices while same games still available on amazon and retail for pennies. LMAO. This is just retarded.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Turbo-Grafx-16-Turbografx-System-FACTORY-BRAN-NEW-90-GOLD-GRADE-/221193652802?pt=Video_Games&hash=item33802b4a42

Ji-L87 · 02/26/2013, 05:46 AM

Quote from: Tatsujin on 02/26/2013, 04:27 AMhttp://www.ebay.com/itm/Turbo-Grafx-16-Turbografx-System-FACTORY-BRAN-NEW-90-GOLD-GRADE-/221193652802?pt=Video_Games&hash=item33802b4a42

I see creases & imperfections in the box, ain't no gold grade that.

At best 15% used

Tatsujin · 02/26/2013, 07:32 AM

in other words, 85% NEW??

PunkCryborg · 02/26/2013, 09:22 AM

Anyone who collects video games without the intention of playing them is a moron.

VestCunt · 02/26/2013, 10:44 AM

Quote from: Tatsujin on 02/26/2013, 04:27 AM
QuoteWhat is more hilarious that peple buy cases of current gen xbox360, 3ds and ps3 games , grade it and try to sell at 10x prices while same games still available on amazon and retail for pennies. LMAO. This is just retarded.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Turbo-Grafx-16-Turbografx-System-FACTORY-BRAN-NEW-90-GOLD-GRADE-/221193652802?pt=Video_Games&hash=item33802b4a42

What's funny is brand-new, boxed, U.S. TG decks can STILL be found online for $200-400

NecroPhile · 02/26/2013, 11:06 AM

Options 2, 3, 4, and a bit of 5.

They're known to make errors and not know what they're doing, so why would anyone pay some internet nobody big bucks for flawed info.?

OldRover · 02/26/2013, 02:29 PM

Fuck VGA and its greedy mouthbreathing adherents.

BigusSchmuck · 02/26/2013, 03:05 PM

I wonder what the guys over in Pawn Stars would think if someone brought in a VGA graded game? Knowing our luck, Chum would buy it anyway.

JoshTurboTrollX · 02/27/2013, 03:32 PM

I like the last option! ;)

Just for shit's n' giggles:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/VGA-Grading-for-Retro-Gaming-is-a-scam/614949028521958?

DildoKKKobold · 02/27/2013, 03:47 PM

On the topic of VGA:

Note that the thread "How-to VGA your games" is stickied on NintendoAge. Do a search on NintendoAge for topics with VGA in the title, and you will find lots threads critical of VGA, that are locked for the reason of "This topic has been done before."

Draw your own conclusions.

bob · 02/27/2013, 03:56 PM

Quote from: BigusSchmuck on 02/26/2013, 03:05 PMI wonder what the guys over in Pawn Stars would think if someone brought in a VGA graded game? Knowing our luck, Chum would buy it anyway.

They just let two NES champ carts walk (grey and gold versions). Seller wanted $30k. They offered around $18k (if I remember correctly).

Tatsujin · 02/27/2013, 11:14 PM

Quote from: guest on 02/27/2013, 03:47 PMOn the topic of VGA:

Note that the thread "How-to VGA your games" is stickied on NintendoAge. Do a search on NintendoAge for topics with VGA in the title, and you will find lots threads critical of VGA, that are locked for the reason of "This topic has been done before."

Draw your own conclusions.

I don't really get what you like say here, but I am glad that this won't be the same case on this forum.

Dyna138 · 02/28/2013, 05:44 PM

Quote from: OldRover on 02/26/2013, 02:29 PMFuck VGA and its greedy mouthbreathing adherents.

+1

You'd have to be a moron to pay a premium price on something just because some idiot living in his parents basement made some obvious observations about the condition.

Like others have said games should be played and not displayed in cases and "graded". I think it's completely possible to preserve a game and not go to such extremes.

Psycho Punch · 02/28/2013, 08:42 PM

Quote from: DildoKKKobold on 02/27/2013, 03:47 PMOn the topic of VGA:

Note that the thread "How-to VGA your games" is stickied on NintendoAge. Do a search on NintendoAge for topics with VGA in the title, and you will find lots threads critical of VGA, that are locked for the reason of "This topic has been done before."

Draw your own conclusions.

Gouging much? While I love Nintendo Age I hate their pro-vga attitude. It's not like they're conspiring with VGA but they're not receptive to contrary opinions about it, it seems.

Who the hell thinks that videogame collecting should be like coin collecting anyway? Allow a game to stand the test of time without getting played? Dudes, when you're below ground in a wooden box this is going to be the least of your problems... go play them or sell it to a museum if you're thinking about "video game preservation" (which isn't bad in my opinion but no one has any resources and knowledge to conserve these games indefinitely... seriously, if your game/hardware is THAT RARE make a personal/public dump of the mask/erasable ROMS and sell it to a museum!)

Tatsujin · 03/03/2013, 07:55 PM

So peeps tell me, when do we start with the "obey against vga" rage campaign?

PikachuWarrior · 03/03/2013, 08:45 PM

I'm all for sealed games and collectors who do so, but there's just something about VGA grading that I don't like, therefore I most likely never will submit any of my games to them. It does nothing (protection-wise) that one could do themselves or with much cheaper products.

Sparky · 03/03/2013, 08:48 PM

Quote from: PikachuWarrior on 03/03/2013, 08:45 PMI'm all for sealed games....

Hahaha.

BigusSchmuck · 03/03/2013, 10:01 PM

Quote from: guest on 03/03/2013, 08:48 PM
Quote from: PikachuWarrior on 03/03/2013, 08:45 PMI'm all for sealed games....
Hahaha.

I'm all for sealed games just so I can open them.

Tatsujin · 03/06/2013, 08:43 AM

tggodfrey · 03/06/2013, 01:02 PM

WTF......brand new and already graded....Ghey

NecroPhile · 03/06/2013, 03:25 PM

And only a score of 90, which is the fifth highest score.

RoyVegas · 03/06/2013, 04:11 PM

Quote from: tggodfrey on 03/06/2013, 01:02 PMWTF......brand new and already graded....Ghey

I giggled at this. Mainly because I'm pretty darn sure you meant new, as in it just came out. But when I first read it I thought, well yeah, pretty much everything they grade is new, as in new/sealed.

Marll · 03/11/2013, 07:01 PM

VGA grading is fucking stupid and over inflates anything related to whatever shows up sealed on ebay.

Whoever is doing this shit should be dick-stompped repeatedly.

seieienbu · 03/17/2013, 09:56 PM

Quote from: guest on 03/06/2013, 03:25 PMAnd only a score of 90, which is the fifth highest score.

I don't think I've ever seen lower than 85...

Tatsujin · 03/17/2013, 10:05 PM

Quote from: seieienbu on 03/17/2013, 09:56 PM
Quote from: guest on 03/06/2013, 03:25 PMAnd only a score of 90, which is the fifth highest score.
I don't think I've ever seen lower than 85...

roflmao · 03/17/2013, 10:20 PM

Quote from: Tatsujin on 03/17/2013, 10:05 PM
Quote from: seieienbu on 03/17/2013, 09:56 PM
Quote from: guest on 03/06/2013, 03:25 PMAnd only a score of 90, which is the fifth highest score.
I don't think I've ever seen lower than 85...

That looks AT LEAST 85% NEW to me! These VGA gradings are totally bogus.

Tatsujin · 03/17/2013, 11:05 PM

Quote from: guest on 03/17/2013, 10:20 PMThat looks AT LEAST 85% NEW to me! These VGA gradings are totally bogus.

/vga85new.jpg

roflmao · 03/17/2013, 11:31 PM

Quote from: Tatsujin on 03/17/2013, 11:05 PM/vga85new.jpg

Exactly!

NecroPhile · 03/18/2013, 01:59 PM

Quote from: Tatsujin on 03/17/2013, 11:05 PM/vga85new.jpg

100% win!

Psycho Punch · 03/18/2013, 02:19 PM

Quote from: Tatsujin on 03/17/2013, 10:05 PM
Quote from: seieienbu on 03/17/2013, 09:56 PM
Quote from: NecroPhile on 03/06/2013, 03:25 PMAnd only a score of 90, which is the fifth highest score.
I don't think I've ever seen lower than 85...
http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww4/BigHedToyz/smb10-1.jpg?t=1324704873

Hahaha, neat! I remember that, it is from a member of Nintendo Age who's building a NES fullset full of crappy beaten up games.

For those who don't ~~care~~ know about the thread where this was posted, here's some trivia:

QuoteThere's not a grading report but I spoke with Chad at VGA several times about this game and these are some of the things he mentioned:

On a report, the areas of damage are circled on a corresponding diagram of the game. This game's diagram would be completely circled.
A 10 is the lowest grade possible. In order to score a 10, the game has to meet two criteria. The first is that it exists, the second is that it's factory sealed.
This is not only the lowest grade given to a game, it is the lowest grade CGA (AFA, VGA, DCA, CDA) has EVER issued in 12 years of business. Second place belongs to an action figure graded in 2006 with a score of 20.
This is the worst condition item CGA has ever seen.

Psycho Punch · 03/18/2013, 02:22 PM

By the way, the above quote only proves that they only grade the shrink wrap, I don't think they know much about video games given their "spectrum of expertise" covers pretty much every sealed collectible.

kazumn · 03/30/2013, 12:19 PM

Luckly for us not a lot of graded pc engine games around, i doubt i've ever seen one. What would a graded copy of f1 pilot be worth graded i'd guess even my dumbster would spit it out.

Don't really get the point of the whole grading it's just a plastic box with a sticker slabbed on, things anybody could do really, who in their right mind is going to spend 10-50 times the price for that?

this has got to be a joke right :

http://www.benl.ebay.be/itm/Sonic-the-Hedgehog-2-VGA-95-MINT-Sega-Genesis-PRISTINE-GOLD-CLASSIC-NEW-/111026929418?pt=Video_Games_Games&hash=item19d9b87f0a

geise · 04/01/2013, 06:29 PM

Haha! That is nothing compared to other vga graded shit I've seen. Funny most of this crap is only really on ebay, and a couple other "game forums".

Here's one for the square heads.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Final-Fantasy-III-3-Super-Nintendo-SNES-VGA-85-Gold-Rating-Brand-New-/130873199665?pt=Video_Games_Games&hash=item1e78a68c31

roflmao · 04/01/2013, 08:30 PM

Quote from: geise on 04/01/2013, 06:29 PMHaha! That is nothing compared to other vga graded shit I've seen. Funny most of this crap is only really on ebay, and a couple other "game forums".

Here's one for the square heads.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Final-Fantasy-III-3-Super-Nintendo-SNES-VGA-85-Gold-Rating-Brand-New-/130873199665?pt=Video_Games_Games&hash=item1e78a68c31

GAH!!! Such a fun and memorable game. It pains me to see yet another copy that will NEVER BE ENJOYED.

Tatsujin · 04/01/2013, 09:12 PM

Yeah, he also could have rolled over it with a steam roller instead, wouldn't have made much of a difference.

kazumn · 04/02/2013, 08:12 AM

this dude is taking teh lolz to a whole level :

http://www.ebay.com/sch/dwrhecktic/m.html?item=121043133033&pt=Video_Games_Games&hash=item1c2ebba269&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2562

Tatsujin · 04/02/2013, 08:28 AM

lol, good luck with these dust catchers, bro.

CrackTiger · 04/02/2013, 04:41 PM

Quote from: kazumn on 04/02/2013, 08:12 AMthis dude is taking teh lolz to a whole level :

http://www.ebay.com/sch/dwrhecktic/m.html?item=121043133033&pt=Video_Games_Games&hash=item1c2ebba269&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2562

He keeps his sales private, but if you look at his feedback history, he buys up sealed games for hundreds of dollars, before grading them and listing them for (sometimes tens of) thousands of dollars.

retroguy · 04/02/2013, 05:31 PM

If that's the case, than aside from being a gigantic douchebag, he's also the biggest moron on the planet. Does he honestly think anyone will ever buy those? If he does, than someone needs to call the men in the white coats.

kazumn · 04/03/2013, 04:09 AM

Quote from: Tatsujin on 04/02/2013, 08:28 AMlol, good luck with these dust catchers, bro.

ey heard u don't like vga graded items but instead luv to spend ur hard earned monnies on pee cee engine system cards.
u should send them one of your system cards for teh grading.

kazumn · 04/03/2013, 04:43 AM

one other thing is it possible to take the game out of the case or is it trapped in their forever?

To be honest i think the whole Vga thing is retarted, it's meanly due to the greed of sellers tough, sure it's good for a laugh every once in a while but it's also annoying for us gamers/collectors to get a fair deal on certain items i'm sure most know what i mean. Then again i'm also guilty of paying a premium for sealed games just to have them in the shape i want them in also the feeling of opening the fucker up and knowing you're the first to play it in all these years makes me smile and saddens me at the same time it had to wait that long to be played (well if it's a good game that is).

But to each his own i guess when i have to pay a premium for a game in order to get it, atleast i would like to get some sort enjoyment out off it.