As a gamer, you have probably spent hundreds, if not thousands of hours playing video games. And if you’ve been collecting them for a while, you may have amassed a significant amount of games. But is it worth grading your video game collection?

First, let’s talk about what grading means. Video game grading is a process where a company or individual evaluates the condition of a game based on a set of criteria. The game is typically assigned a grade ranging from 1 to 10, with 10 being the best possible condition. Grading can also include authentication to verify that the game is original and has not been tampered with.

So, why would someone want to grade their video game collection? There are a few reasons:

1. Protection: Grading your games can protect them from damage and wear and tear. Games that are graded are typically sealed in a protective case, which can help prevent scratches or damage to the label.

2. Value: Graded games are often worth more money than ungraded games. A high-grade game can command a premium price, especially if it has a low print run or is a rare or sought-after title.

3. Proof of ownership: Grading your games can provide proof of ownership and authenticity. If you ever decide to sell your collection, having graded games can give potential buyers more confidence in their purchase.

However, there are also some downsides to grading your video game collection:

1. Cost: Grading games can be expensive. Depending on the grading company, you may need to pay for shipping, insurance, authentication, and grading fees. This can add up quickly, especially if you have a large collection.

2. Time: Grading games can also take a lot of time. You will need to carefully package and ship each game to the grading company, and then wait for it to be graded and returned to you. This process can take several weeks or even months.

3. Personal value: Finally, it’s important to consider your own personal attachment to your collection. If you have games that hold sentimental value, grading them may not be worth it, even if they are worth a lot of money. You may feel like you are “selling out” your childhood memories for a quick buck.

Ultimately, the decision to grade your video game collection is a personal one. If you have rare or valuable games that you want to protect and potentially increase in value, grading may be worth it. However, if you are more concerned with the sentimental value of your collection, or don’t feel like spending a lot of money and time on grading, then it may not be worth it.

Regardless of whether you decide to grade your games or not, the most important thing is to continue to enjoy them. After all, video games are meant to be played, not just collected.