TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION
TGMGrading parameters and nomenclature
Every title graded by TGMGrading ships with a certification label listing the codes for each parameter measured and the final grade. Here is what each code means, family by family: sealed, Brand New and NIB, CIB and collectibles.
SEALED
SEALED TITLES
Sealed titles are factory-sealed video games, never opened, in their original packaging. The assessment rests on four main parameters:
Each parameter is assessed on its own and feeds the final grade through a weighted average.
- BC
Box Condition
Overall condition of the box
- SQ
Seal Quality
Integrity of the original seal
- CG
Color Gloss
Vibrancy and brightness of printed colors
- SI
Structural Integrity
Physical integrity of the packaging
BRAND NEW & NIB
Brand New and NIB
The parameters used for sealed titles also apply to Brand New and NIB titles: the only difference is that the seal is not assessed, since there is none, and every other parameter is reweighted proportionally.
Brand New titles carry no seal but are factory-fresh and never opened, while NIB stands for New In Box: the contents are new and were never removed or used, but the box was opened for inspection, which leaves visible marks.
For these items, X-ray scanning is mandatory to confirm that they really are in that condition, with every finding documented in the report.
COMPLETE IN BOX
CIB
By CIB titles we mean video games, consoles or accessories that have been opened or used, where the condition of every part that makes them up is assessed.
The parameters used in the assessment are printed on the certification label you will find inside your graded title, and together they feed the weighted average that produces the final grade.
- BC
Box Condition
Weighted average of every parameter assessed on the condition of the title's box
- CC
Cart/Disc/Console/Floppy Condition
Weighted average of the condition of the physical game assessed in full, including the internal electronics
- MC
Manual Condition
Weighted average of every parameter tied to the condition of manuals and inserts
- CM
Completeness & Matching
Weighted average of the completeness parameters (it should be 10; lower values mean non-essential elements are missing, such as the pink warning insert). The matching of codes across all components is also checked: if it is wrong, the item is not graded
COLLECTIBLES
RARE AND EXCLUSIVE ITEMS
Collectibles are rare and exclusive items that fall outside standard industrial production. The category includes EPROM samples that manufacturers sent to video game magazines so a title could be reviewed before release, along with press kits and limited editions that were never sold to the public.
- CR
Cart Rarity
Absolute rarity of the piece on the market. The parameter adapts to the object: a cartridge, a Game Boy, a press kit.
- PS
Preservation State
Physical state of preservation of the object and of the materials it is made of.
- PA
Physical Authenticity
Authenticity of the internal electronics, verified with the X-ray scan.
- DI
Data Integrity
Integrity and accuracy of the data printed on the box or on the cartridge.
THE NEXT STEP
YOU KNOW WHAT A LABEL SAYS. NOW GET ONE OF YOUR OWN.
The TGMGrading lab measures exactly the parameters you have just read: every grade comes documented, X-ray scanning can be requested on any title and the piece comes back closed in its premium case, from 50 euro. When you open the parcel, you already know what you are looking at.