Video Game Authority (VGA) is expanding services as we continue to help customers level up their collections. In early 2026, VGA introduced a new label with a modern look, more information about the collectible, and subgrades for the box and seal. VGA also opened submissions for complete-in-box games and cartridges, two new services that will appeal to the vast majority of collectors. Along with our industry-leading cases and customizable options, these improvements will continue to make VGA the authority in video game grading.

Among these changes is the introduction of new game states for the VGA label. The game state describes the condition and status of the item, such as whether it is factory sealed, unused, complete, or previously opened. Describing these states is necessary because of the many ways in which video games are collected. Some collectors may only want factory sealed items while others are comfortable with games that have been used. Whatever your preference, VGA is here to cater to your collecting needs.

Below is a list of the various game states that VGA will recognize, along with descriptions of each:

BOX ONLY

A box that has been graded on its own without a game or manual.

CARTRIDGE

A cartridge that has been graded on its own without a box or manual.

CASE ONLY

A case that has been graded on its own without a game or manual.

COMPLETE IN BOX

A game that includes the box, cartridge, and manual. Often referred to as "CIB." At VGA, a game is only eligible for CIB grading if the box, cartridge, and manual are present, and their variants match. The VGA label will describe the box variation and include subgrades for the box, cartridge, and manual. Additional details such as cartridge variants, manual variants, inserts, and packaging will be documented through VGA's online Serial Number Verification.

PROTOTYPE

An item that was created during the research and development phase. Often, these items will have features that are unique or different from the finished product. Prototypes that are authenticated by VGA will also feature a NG (No Grade) designation.

QUALIFIED

A game or console that has been graded by VGA but has features that are atypical or notable in some way. More common instances include items with unverified signatures and unopened items with the original seal removed. In the past, VGA often used "Qualified" to denote items that had been opened but were not used. Such items will now be described as "Unused in Box."

SEALED

An item that has been sealed at the factory often with some form of plastic wrap, stickers, or glue. Check out VGA's Seal Types guide for more information about factory seals.

UNCIRCULATED

An item that has not been commercially circulated, such as a game from a factory case pack.

UNFOLDED

A box, typically a box flat, that has never been folded.

UNOPENED

A game or console that does not show signs of having been opened. This game state will often describe games that were not factory sealed.

UNUSED IN BOX

A game or console that has been previously opened but does not show signs of use. To be eligible for this designation, an item must include all original packaging. Formerly, VGA often described this game state as "Qualified."