CGC Video Games Introduces 100% CIB Designation

There are several ways to collect complete in box (CIB) games. At its core, a CIB game consists of a game including the box, manual and game cartridge or disc. Many consider a CIB game to include these three components at least.

However, some video game publishers packaged their games with additional inserts and memorabilia, including game maps, posters, reply cards and game-specific inserts. Depending on the console the game was released for, the package may have also included other materials such as plastic baggies, dust sleeves or cartridge trays.

CIB games submitted to CGC Video Games with all of the original components, including additional inserts, will receive the 100% CIB designation on the label. To be eligible for the designation, a CIB submission must consist of a matching box, cartridge and manual, as well as any game-specific, console or publisher inserts. The game must also include its original packing materials, such as dust sleeves, cartridge trays and baggies. Original plastic wraps are not necessary for the designation.

If a game has a mismatched component or a reproduction item, such as a replacement cartridge tray, the game will not be eligible for CGC Video Games' 100% CIB designation. Additionally, some circumstances may disqualify a CIB submission from receiving the 100% CIB designation. For example, if a game has an identifying mark removed from a component — such as a matte sticker seal or a cartridge label — the game will not receive the designation.

There are many instances where CGC Video Games receives a game submission that has extra inserts that were not originally packaged with the game. For example, Nintendo Power once offered a mail-away poster for Dragon Warrior — this poster was not included with the game's release and was rather added later, so it is not required for the 100% CIB designation. Components such as these will be returned to the customer ungraded. For more information about CGC Video Games' extra inserts policy, click here.

The addition of the 100% CIB designation is at the discretion of CGC Video Games' experts, who have built the most comprehensive database of video game materials and components in the industry. The company's experts will use that information to accurately determine if a CIB submission has all of its original components.