Video Game Authority

[ValkerieSilk]

I’m just curious what everyone’s take is on the Video Game Authority. Does this add value to your Colecovision game collection, or is it a waste of time and money? I do not own any graded games, nor have I used this service.

 

https://cgagrading.com/videogamegrader/

[Ikrananka]

My personal view is that it is a complete waste of money and plastic. So far I have only seen people use this service in a feeble attempt to justify outrageous prices on their eBay auctions. I keep all of my boxed games in protectors which have the advantage of allowing me access to the cartridge and manual inside.

[ValkerieSilk]

My personal view is that it is a complete waste of money and plastic. So far I have only seen people use this service in a feeble attempt to justify outrageous prices on their eBay auctions. I keep all of my boxed games in protectors which have the advantage of allowing me access to the cartridge and manual inside.

I do the same with respect to my games. I've seen the same on ebay as well (see recent auction watch post).

[Atari_Bill]

The VGA is a scam. The company has certified a fake proto for example. That tells you they they have little true integrity and are only out there to fleece collectors. The resellers then go on to try to fleece the collector market by marking up their falsely graded item 10x. Hate the industry and anyone that uses the service to justify insane prices on their goods.

[fiddlepaddle]

You're always better learning how to become your own authenticator. If you can't and have to trust someone else, you better be sure of their expertise/accuracy, AND their integrity.

I'm not so sure with these guys (gut feeling), but I have no direct experience and most likely never will, as I primarily value things empirically.

[ValkerieSilk]

The VGA is a scam. The company has certified a fake proto for example. That tells you they they have little true integrity and are only out there to fleece collectors. The resellers then go on to try to fleece the collector market by marking up their falsely graded item 10x. Hate the industry and anyone that uses the service to justify insane prices on their goods.

Wow, had no idea...

[Hannacek]

They are a complete scam. Games are made to be played. Even if it is a rare and valuable game, you should still be able to take it out and play it every once and while.

When it comes to sealed games, no one knows what is actually inside. The only way to know is to open the box, and inspect the pcb. Which you can never do with sealed games, so the VGA has no way to be kept accountable. And without anyway to be kept accountable, they can run hog wild.

[phattyboombatty]

I have to agree that it's a scam-a-licious endeavor. Their prices are exorbitantly high, seemingly because they're in pretty acrylic cases, and that doesn't warrant such a value. And I agree about "who's keeping them accountable?" They should delegate members from AtariAge to their council.

[ValkerieSilk]

If they so called 'certified' a replica/fake as genuine , I would think there credibility would be all but gone.

 

What do they charge per game (say cv) to do this? They are not exactly clear on the pricing.

[Keatah]

Will they authenticate my emulation collection?

[NE146]

[TPR]

My personal view is that it is a complete waste of money and plastic. So far I have only seen people use this service in a feeble attempt to justify outrageous prices on their eBay auctions. I keep all of my boxed games in protectors which have the advantage of allowing me access to the cartridge and manual inside.

 

I don't have too much more to add to this because that quote sums up my thoughts exactly. But just add one more vote that feels it's a waste of money.

[doubledown]

The whole idea of "grading" started a ways back mostly for sports cards as I remember. A card graded and serialized then sold on ebay could guarantee the buyer they got what they paid for. Unfortunately this completely devalued any card that was not graded. I think that grading is fine in the instance or trading cards or the likes (possibly comic books as well) as the company can see all sides of the cards. But to "grade" a sealed box...garbage. I would never pay for anything that was graded, or get anything graded.

[sega_SHARK]

I’m just curious what everyone’s take is on the Video Game Authority. Does this add value to your Colecovision game collection, or is it a waste of time and money? I do not own any graded games, nor have I used this service.

 

https://cgagrading.com/videogamegrader/

 

lol, how long have those River Raid VGAs been on eBay?

[ValkerieSilk]

Wow!

 

eBay Auction -- Item Number: 301689136378

[Ikrananka]

Wow!

 

eBay Auction -- Item Number: 301689136378

 

Hilarious - apparently it is one of the earliest releases for the ColecoVision from 1987

 

I have one of these but it is ungraded. I'm sure mine would grade at least a 60 so I could sell it for well $1,200

[Atari_Bill]

Wow!

 

eBay Auction -- Item Number: 301689136378

Happiest insanity strikes again. Insanity or stupidity...not quite sure with him.

[phattyboombatty]

Wow!

 

eBay Auction -- Item Number: 301689136378

Oh my god. What a moron. And what a scam.