In the world of video game collecting, the acronym CIB carries significant weight. It stands for Complete In Box, and it describes the condition of a game and its packaging. Understanding what CIB means is crucial for both buyers and sellers navigating the often-complex market of vintage and collectible video games. This comprehensive guide will explain the intricacies of CIB grading and its impact on a game's value.
What Constitutes a CIB Game?
A truly CIB video game is more than just having the game cartridge or disc; it's about the complete package. This typically includes:
- The Game Cartridge or Disc: The game itself, in good working condition.
- The Original Box: The box should be in reasonably good condition, with minimal damage, wear, or fading. The presence of all original flaps and inserts is highly valued.
- The Manual: The instruction manual should be included and in good condition. Tears, significant creases, or missing pages drastically reduce the value.
- Any Other Original Accessories: This might include things like maps, posters, strategy guides, warranty cards, and even promotional items packaged with the game initially.
The condition of each component contributes to the overall CIB rating. A game with a slightly damaged box but a pristine manual and cartridge might still be considered CIB, though its value will be affected by the box's condition.
How Does CIB Affect a Video Game's Value?
CIB games are generally much more valuable than loose cartridges or discs. Collectors highly prize the originality and completeness of a CIB game. The box and manual provide context and history, enhancing the overall collecting experience. A rare or sought-after game in CIB condition can command significantly higher prices than the same game sold loose.
What if a Game is Missing One Component?
If a game is missing even one key element—like the manual or the box—it's usually no longer considered CIB. Collectors often use terms like "complete" or "loose" to describe games with missing components. The absence of components significantly reduces the game's value. While these games are still collectable, their value will be lower than a comparable CIB copy.
What are the Different Grades of CIB Games?
While there isn't a universally standardized grading system for CIB video games, collectors and sellers often use a general scale to assess condition. This scale typically ranges from "Near Mint" to "Poor" and considers factors like:
- Box Condition: The presence of all flaps, minimal wear, and the overall structural integrity.
- Manual Condition: The presence of all pages, minimal creases or tears, and overall condition.
- Cartridge/Disc Condition: The functionality and condition of the game itself.
A game graded "Near Mint" will be in essentially perfect condition, showing little to no signs of wear. A game graded "Good" will show some signs of use, but remains generally playable and complete. Games in "Poor" condition will have significant damage or missing parts.
Are there specific grading companies for CIB video games?
While there are well-established grading services for collectible cards (like PSA and Beckett), there isn't a single universally accepted grading company dedicated solely to CIB video games. However, some online marketplaces and communities have developed their own grading standards or utilize informal grading systems. Buyers should always carefully examine photos and descriptions to gauge the condition of any CIB game they are considering purchasing.
Understanding the nuances of CIB grading is essential for anyone interested in buying, selling, or collecting video games. The difference in value between a CIB game and a loose game can be significant, emphasizing the importance of preserving the original packaging and accessories whenever possible.
