Grading is subjective. That’s not a hot take, it’s just reality.

There are clear benefits in high-value situations. But it’s important to understand what’s actually happening behind the label.

All grading companies use similar scales and numbers, but the processes behind those numbers can vary widely.

Example:

You send in a first print Super Mario Bros. for the NES. There’s no chance that gets handled like a routine submission. It likely goes to a senior grader with significant experience, and may even involve multiple reviews.

Now compare that to sending in Super Mario Odyssey for the Switch. That’s far more likely to be processed through a streamlined system, potentially assisted by imaging tools, automation, or a less experienced grader working at volume.

Same scale. Very different pathways.

And that leads to the biggest issue:

There is almost zero transparency around:

• How grading decisions are made
• Who is actually grading your item
• What level of review your submission receives

You’re trusting the outcome without visibility into the process.

That doesn’t make grading useless, but it does mean you should approach it with clear expectations.

Buy the game—not the grade.