Standards

How we grade condition

A condition grade is a promise. Before any exhibit gets its inventory number, a keeper cleans it, tests it and writes down exactly what state it is in. This is the scale we use.

  1. A+

    Mint / sealed

    Factory sealed or indistinguishable from new. Box corners sharp, no fading, no marks.

  2. A

    Excellent

    Opened but barely used. Label or disc face near perfect, box and manual crisp, only the faintest signs of handling.

  3. B

    Very good

    Light, honest wear from normal use: small marks on the shell, soft box corners, a crease in the manual. Works perfectly.

  4. C

    Good

    Clearly loved. Visible scuffs, fading, stickers or writing, but fully tested and working. Great for playing.

  5. D

    Fair / for parts

    Heavy wear or a known fault that we describe in detail. Sold for repair projects, display or parts.

01

Intake

Each arrival is logged, photographed as received and matched to the right platform and region.

02

Cleaning

Contacts, shells and discs are cleaned with non-abrasive methods. We never polish away original labels.

03

Testing

Games are played on original hardware from start-up to gameplay; save batteries are checked where present.

04

Grading

Two keepers agree on the grade. If they disagree, the lower grade wins.

05

Registering

The exhibit gets its inventory number, condition note and photographs, and only then joins the Vault.

Condition

Condition labels in the register right now

Condition labels will appear here as soon as the register is filled.