In recent years, video game collecting has undergone a transformation with the emergence of Wata Games, a company specializing in the grading of video games. Wata’s standardized grading system has revolutionized how video games are appraised and valued, making video game collecting a serious hobby and investment.
Prior to Wata Games, the video game collecting community lacked a unified system for verifying and grading the condition of games, leading to inconsistent trading and valuation. Wata Games entered the market with a mission to provide a standardized grading system, similar to what PSA and ISA had done for sports cards.
The introduction of professional grading services by companies like Wata has led to a surge in the popularity of video game collecting. Collectors now have a reliable way to assess the condition of games, attracting new collectors and investors who see video game collecting as a valuable investment.
To get a video game graded by Wata, collectors submit their games to the company for evaluation based on condition, completeness, and overall quality. Wata provides a detailed grading report and encases the game in a tamper-proof, UV-resistant display case, preserving the game and enhancing its display and potential resale value.
For those looking to sell their graded games, Otia Sports specializes in the purchase of rare and high-grade video games. Selling to Otia Sports provides collectors with a straightforward way to monetize their collections, especially for high-ticket items.
The impact of Wata’s grading system is most evident in the record-breaking sales at auctions. Notable examples include a sealed copy of Super Mario Bros. for the NES, graded by Wata, which sold for $660,000 in April 2021, setting a new record for the highest amount ever paid for a video game. Another landmark sale was a sealed copy of The Legend of Zelda for the NES, which fetched $870,000 at auction. The high grading from Wata significantly contributed to the high valuation of these games.
The emergence of Wata Games has brought a newfound level of professionalism and standardization to the field of video game collecting. As a result, there has been an expansion of the collector market to include a diverse range of collectors, from nostalgic gamers to serious investors. This diversity has driven up the demand and value of rare and vintage games.
Wata Games has also played a crucial role in preserving the physical condition of video games. By grading and encapsulating games, Wata ensures that a crucial part of digital entertainment history is safeguarded for future generations.
In addition to its grading services, Wata also educates collectors on the importance of game condition, rarity, and provenance. This education has led to a more informed collector base, contributing to the stabilization and growth of the market.
Despite its positive impact, Wata’s rise has faced challenges and criticisms. Some collectors express concerns about the costs associated with grading and the overemphasis on the monetary value of games, potentially overshadowing the sentimental and historical value. Additionally, the rapid increase in prices for graded games has led to debates about market sustainability and the risks of speculative investing.
Looking ahead, the future of video game collecting and Wata’s role in it appears promising. As video games continue to be recognized as an integral part of popular culture and entertainment history, the demand for rare and vintage games is likely to remain strong. Wata’s standardized grading process and the growing interest in video game collecting suggest that this market segment will continue to evolve and expand.
Wata Games has not only changed the game of video game collecting but also elevated the status of video games as collectible art forms. The intersection of passion and investment has become a focal point for collectors, where owning a part of gaming history brings both joy and potential financial returns. With its trusted grading system, Wata Games has provided a platform for collectors to preserve, showcase, and profit from their collections, shaping the landscape of video game collecting for collectors, investors, and gaming enthusiasts worldwide.
