Don't Overpay For Graded CIB Video Games

Today we look at the WATA CIB pop reports! CIB of course being "complete in box", or used video games rather than sealed. Many more people in general collect CIB games and with prices finally down on CIB grading, I do expect this to become much more popular in the coming year or so. So, what kind of grades should you be targetting?
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Video game collecting and investing KZbin with emphasis on vintage video games. Grading VGA and WATA retro collector. Gaming with consideration on rarest games ever or most expensive games. Talking about N64, NES, Super Nintendo, DS, 3DS, Sega Mario and More!

[@GetTheGreg]

🥂Buy stuff on eBay? (I know you do!) Use this link before purchasing to directly support the stream: ebay.us/S0DWtC

[@MaxaMillion711]

I immediately gravitated toward CIB grading over sealed. I like knowing exactly the condition of the items in the box. Not a fan of the mystery of the plastic seal. It’s been very fun and rewarding collecting my favorite CIB cardboard games, upgrading/swapping parts, and building up a high grade collection ❤️

[@HOMIE_Sanity]

Yes but once its incased no one knows what a … grade looks like.

[@MaxaMillion711]

@@HOMIE_Sanity I mean, I do for most of mine. Some were the raw copies I sent in. And I review the pre grade photos of the components I swap in.

[@HOMIE_Sanity]

@@MaxaMillion711 still dosnt make sense to have items that are graded but hidden inside. If someone would make a case that actually showed all the contents then I could see but it’s just a box with a few grades but can only see the box idk. How bad would it be to wait a few years and then decide to upgrade your manual box or cart and come to find whats inside is not the one you sent or there’s nothing at all idk. To each is there own. But there will come a time for everyone when it’s time to part with these items either by choice or by necessity and we’ll everything has a price.

[@kambrookkettle6710]

@@HOMIE_Sanity LOL

[@kambrookkettle6710]

@@MaxaMillion711 SHould be an option to receive photos of internals, decent idea

[@bobthebadguy6876]

Hey. I just wanted to thank you for making videos like these and truly helping people to understand graded games. Keep it up man.

[@GetTheGreg]

👌🤝

[@retrones704]

I just received an 8.5 rating from WATA on my NES copy of Battletoads/Double Dragon The Ultimate Team. As of right now in the POP reports it is the highest grade CIB of that game thus far

[@GetTheGreg]

Sweet game in a great grade! I'd gladly take any rare CIB NES game in 8.5! 🤝

[@retrones704]

It’s hard to come up with a value for it. I’ve seen a cib sell on eBay recently for 1000$(cad) And last year a sealed graded 9.4 went for 22,400$(cad). Slightly off topic, but there’s a 9.8 Nintendo Power #1 going for auction on Heritage on March 31st. A 9.4 went for 24,000$ (cad) last year.

[@acidjaguar8063]

Great video Greg! I bought that All Stars you showcased 😅. Only want the components for a future upgrade really and there is something to be said about graded parts and pieces for Frankensteining future copies.

[@GetTheGreg]

Haha yup, I'm not surprised at all that it was bought with the intent to upgrade. It's a great pickup in my opinion. 9.6 and 9.6 is... Yea, it's pretty insane!

[@ConditionUpgrade]

The name of the game is to always pay for condition. Mom & Pop stores and chain retro stores rarely charge different prices for nuance on boxes, cases and covers. That is why information like Dylan gives is so important. That's why variants do matter. Good stuff is really still out there.

[@GetTheGreg]

Absolutely! Have to actually know more than the competition these days to still find the good deals!

[@bmaga123]

Fantastic Video, dude! Great work as always :-)

[@GetTheGreg]

🤝

[@Mitjitsu]

I would put it more down to people seeing what prices many of the games were going for that they thought it was worth sending in pretty much anything.

[@expensivecardboard]

Double jump video game does extremely well rating the condition of the game and list it accordingly.

[@AmandaMedeiros-qx8oi]

i like how your break down in the beggining included the chart showing that 9 and above cib graded is in the top 15 % , sean from reserved investments says we should focus on the top 10-15 % in the respective category

[@GetTheGreg]

I watch a lot of Shawn myself haha!

[@MayorMori]

Thanks for the video. I was wondering, how will they treat N64 games that were never shrink-wrapped. For example Japanese Animal Crossing on N64. If never opened will it be classed as sealed? Or a potential 10 CIB? (I’ve always wondered how they tell if N64 games have been opened lol). Great video.

[@GetTheGreg]

For stuff like JP N64, it will be graded as sealed with "NS" as the seal grade if truly never opened. You have to examine back hinges via 30x magnification (and I'm sure they have other means) to determine if the box has ever been opened before. A lot of JP N64 stuff is still "case fresh" so finding unopened ones isn't as impossible as you might think!

[@MayorMori]

@@GetTheGreg oh wow! The fact that they go to these lengths is actually really cool. Thanks for clarifying. I’m hoping to send some games off next month for the first time. Although I still prefer CGC cases 🤣

[@GetTheGreg]

@@MayorMori I'm excited to hear how it goes for you!👌

[@GameKollector]

I have a Sunset Riders for SNES and a Jetson’s Cogswell Capers for NES…2 of my best condition CIB games (and I have 350 or so NES /SNES games that are CIB)…but I just don’t see the reason for grading at all. I mean I have 74 sealed games across nearly every popular system, but I’m not selling them so what’s the point of grading them? To each their own I guess

[@inasuma8180]

CIB grading is super cool but rightfully very challenging. I’m also a proud owner of a top pop Pokémon yellow CIB so I can’t complain! What CIB games will you be grading Mr. Greg?

[@GetTheGreg]

Oh very nice on the top pop yellow! I have sooo much stuff that *might* be worth it haha. I really have to dig through and look at conditions. I have some Pokemons that for sure might be worthwhile, too. I'm coming for that top pop!🤝

[@SkulShurtugalTCG]

What? Graded games at a fair price? How DARE you! I shall accept no less than one hundred million dollars for a WATA 2 C+ copy of NASCAR 99 for PS1!

[@GetTheGreg]

You son of a B*itch, you got yourself a deal!

[@MartyTheOneManParty_]

CIB hunting has been so fun, but like you said people think their stuff is mint but it's actually 6/10 lol it's so hard to get 9.0, I only got 2 out of my 20 CIB submissions

[@TGApuleius]

For sealed games, does it matter if the art has slid out from under the plastic? For CIB stuff, I never know what all came with the games after buying randomly for so long on ebay, need to find a nice database with all that info - registration cards, contest entry forms, etc.

[@GetTheGreg]

It matters slightly. Moreso if it's an extreme misalignment (I've seen some sealed games where the art is almost folding over the bottom of the case). And that's true. With buying graded cib it is nice to have the contents confirmed for you!

[@TGApuleius]

@@GetTheGreg appreciate the info, as always!

[@CartsAndCardboard]

I think a lot of collectors may be waiting for the new (horizontal) cases from Wata before submitting any SNES & N64 CIBs. No CIB pop reports from CGC yet, but with their $40 price and properly oriented cases, I wouldn't be surprised if a large number of games from those consoles have been sent to CGC vs Wata even though they've been open for a much shorter time period.

[@Larson364]

Personally CIB grading isn’t for me, to much space taken up per game. I understand why certain CIB games are graded tho.

[@extremegamercollector425]

Graded CIB triggers me it takes a playable copy out of circulation

[@ConditionUpgrade]

I get what you mean, but technically, every game that is in possession of someone else and on their shelf is out of circulation to play. And furthermore, if people really do have mint CIB, I wouldn't want to play the mint copy. Just buy a decent one that's ok condition and play that one. I have a really great SMB3 that I won't play. I don't want to keep opening and closing the box. But on super rare games, I can understand not really wanting to close it up in acrylic.

[@HOMIE_Sanity]

I think it’s dumb anyways if you can’t see the items inside then why grade them? If it was me and they actually had a bigger case to show the cart and manual then I think it would be cool to grade a CIB otherwise your seeing only the box and that’s it. I mean they graded the manual & cart but our physically get to see what a 9.6 cart or manual looks like idk

[@boxwi]

Doing the lords work. Games were not meant to be played.

[@extremegamercollector425]

@@ConditionUpgrade yea but when it’s sealed it’s already sealed no point in opening when it’s CIB you have to break open the case and open it. I just don’t see the point in CIB personally CIB imo are copies meant to be played. Sealed have survived all these years without opening that’s reason enough to keep them sealed

[@ConditionUpgrade]

@@extremegamercollector425 I'm not sure what you're referring to. I didn't mention anything about sealed vs CIB. Those are different topics of discussion than the contents of this video. No one that is grading a CIB game is going to break it out to play it. ALL games are made to be played, but doesn't mean you have to do it. The number of games available far outnumber the amount of people grading them. That's fact. There are multiple ways to play these games. But I know you are talking about the original, native experience. Has grading a particular game whether it be CIB or sealed kept you from actually purchasing that particular game? If so, what game is it?

[@Kuumba]

you still gonna make that video on recognizing re-seals on non cardboard games , I got sealed copy of megaman powered up for the PSP . Not sure what Im gonna do with it but it would be nice to know if its not a re-seal

[@SethAbramson]

Great video man

[@kanggoo57]

yikes i didnt even know they grade CIB games. wonder how many of those are frankensteined. well its not like wata grades are worth anything anymore with their frauds.

[@GetTheGreg]

Frankensteining is quite common with CIBs, yea. You have to be careful though because if you match wrong components, WATA will be sure to give you an ugly IMP designation (improper married parts) so everyone is aware it's not a fully matching CIB. People most often make mistakes with NES CIBs where there can be many different box/manual/cart revisions for the same game.

[@cctforthee]

CIB is like the second, third, or beyond wave of this hobby. Long way off of being a majorly relevant aspect of it. I would love to see a bigger case that showcases the manual and inserts, but then CIB would be even more expensive and less worth it.

[@GetTheGreg]

CIB games can be the gateway drug into this wild world haha

[@Mr.Persia958]

Question, do you ever think cart only graded games will be sought after? Not just any game of course ,I’m talking like zombie nation Bucky ohare type,Pocky rocky 2 kinda carts.

[@GetTheGreg]

Absolutely. As is, if the condition of the cartridge is high enough to be a top 15%, top 10% type of grade, it will bring a premium. There will even be a subset of people willing to buy already graded carts for the sake of making graded CIBs with them haha

[@Mr.Persia958]

@@GetTheGreg lol good to know, I’ve been debating on grading 2 from that list. I’m still battling the thought of encasing a game that can be played. But hey I’ve seen allot of things get graded over the years so 🤷‍♂️ lol

[@hw5091]

I know you already know, but mentioning that mario all stars you talked about. It's not as rare, but it's not that far off rarity wise to find a 9.6 manual. Snes manuals, especially the the matte finish ones with the photo paper pages, are typically so fucked up, they could barely pass for a 7.0. Snes manuals are just so big, so delicate and the paper they used was so easily damaged, it's just tough finding good manuals. I've scoured ebay for months looking to snipe at times, meanwhile a gameboy, nes or even n64 manual can be found pretty easily in at least 8.0 condition.

[@GetTheGreg]

This is a really good point. They just get surface scuffs so easily... Or a bent corner...

[@hw5091]

@@GetTheGreg yup, the only SNES manuals that are easy to get in good condition are the glossy ones, like donkey Kong country. Something Mario rpg are just trashed from the slightest bump. You almost have to buy those in an existing cib to get something not too fucked up.

[@chrisgo6875]

Hello, there is a sealed Zelda: Oracle of Ages Gameboy game I have my eye on at a local store. Everything about it is great, except it has a 1) white sticker over the barcode (outside the seal), and 2) there are micro-creases in the cardboard (about half an inch long, located at the bottom-back) from being indented by something in the past. I dont think it is worth what the game store owner wants for it if it can't obtain at least a VGA 90 IMO. Any thoughts?

[@GetTheGreg]

It doesn't at all sound worthy gambling on for a 90 with what you've described. 85+ could maybe happen assuming the sticker removes clean and isn't hiding any further damage

[@chrisgo6875]

@@GetTheGreg thanks for the reply!

[@FigsyGames]

Who else immediately though of Mizkif when clicking on the video

[@GetTheGreg]

The Mizkif legacy lives on 😂

[@DjbossNA]

I feel like the whole point of CIB is the benefit of being able to play the game. I'd rather have a sealed game that isnt worth grading than a high CIB game cause I wouldn't be able to play it

[@Qwiegybow04]

When trying to resell I've been shooting for 9.0 or higher. Just got back a Wolverine NES CIB 9.2. Sold that for a pretty penny. I wholeheartedly agree with this assessment.

[@GetTheGreg]

Oooo 9.2 Wolverine is a beauty. Nice one!

[@Odinoian]

Dissing Magic Kingdom, one of my fav childhood NES games 😟

[@GetTheGreg]

I didn't even get the name right haha, I called it fricken "Magic Castle"😅

[@Odinoian]

@@GetTheGreg yeah lol I noticed. Probably because of the castle on the cover and the game Castle of Illusion :)

[@Alma-B]

you can get cib graded games for less than the raw price sometimes if they are not pokemans, marios, or zelders 🤣🤣

[@Zylotic83]

I have a CIB Kirby Dreamland 3 that's still in the seal wrap, I think I might slab it, not sure tho

[@toyhunt6268]

With this, that Heritage Auctions or any contract mite not be renewed. Lol. Wow. Not helping. I appreciate the content or concern though. Thumbs up from me.

[@GetTheGreg]

😂

[@777superlightwater]

Notifications gang what up

[@grepenoop]

Yo

[@GetTheGreg]

Yo

[@777superlightwater]

🙋🏼‍♂️

[@kevingann2154]

CIB....ewwwe....😅

[@GetTheGreg]

Oh come on haha😅 It's going to be inevitable that many sealed collectors will have some CIBs hanging around!

[@boxwi]

Disagree a little on overpaying for medium grades, since there is definitely a value in the authenticity and completeness being guaranteed through wata. Instead of random ebay guy. That's worth something to a collector even in okayish condition.

[@GetTheGreg]

That's a fair point! I will admit that I personally do value the authentication and verification less with cib than I do with sealed.

[@tyst5927]

Dont buy graded games. I fixed the title for you.

[@kspen93]

Hey, Greg! Do you have an email or a way to message you directly?

[@GetTheGreg]

Instagram would probably be best!