RetroPixl Introduces Stricter Grading Standards

In 2019, RetroPixl raised the bar for collectors by overhauling how we classify condition.

Until now, our items used a simple B/C grading system—functional, but not precise enough for the growing community of retro gaming collectors. This year, we made the leap to a new, stricter S/A/B system inspired by Japanese video game culture, bringing clarity, trust, and global recognition to every retro video game console we offer.

From B/C to S/A/B

When RetroPixl launched, grading relied on:

• B-grade: complete-in-box but visibly used.

• C-grade: incomplete or heavily worn.

By 2019, with demand rising for rare gaming consoles, that system no longer matched the standards collectors deserved. To fix this, RetroPixl introduced a three-tier system that matches how Japanese gaming ranks excellence:

• S-grade → brand new and sealed (S-grade). Factory-sealed, untouched, “unicorn” consoles.

• A-grade → mint, complete-in-box (A-grade). Opened but virtually new, all inserts included, fully tested.

• B-grade → complete-in-box (B-grade). Excellent condition with light cosmetic wear, fully functional and collectible.

This structure replaced the older B/C model, ensuring buyers know exactly what they’re getting.

The meaning of S-rank in gaming

The introduction of “S” wasn’t arbitrary. In Japanese gaming culture—especially fighting games and RPGs—S-rank sits above A, reserved for flawless performances, ultimate achievements, or rarest unlocks. By adopting this system, RetroPixl aligned grading with something collectors already understood: “S” equals perfection.

This cultural tie reinforced our identity as a brand rooted in Japanese retro consoles and authenticity. Collectors recognized instantly that an S-grade from RetroPixl meant the absolute best.

Why it matters to collectors

For collectors of nostalgic gaming consoles, condition is more than preference—it’s value. Moving to S/A/B gave every buyer a consistent benchmark, whether chasing a brand new and sealed (S-grade) Famicom, a mint, complete-in-box (A-grade) PSP-3000, or a reliable complete-in-box (B-grade) Mega Drive II.

This clarity protects both first-time buyers and seasoned investors. Even sealed retro consoles are documented and verified, while mint condition consoles undergo rigorous checks before being listed.

Raising standards across the market

RetroPixl’s 2019 grading announcement also set a precedent. By adopting an accessible, Japanese-inspired framework, we showed the collector community that grading can be simple, transparent, and rigorous. Other sellers and marketplaces began adopting similar terminology, proving how much impact a clear standard can have.

For collectors, this meant a safer, more reliable market—one where retro console collectibles could be traded with confidence.

Legacy for collectors

The 2019 grading milestone wasn’t just about categories—it was about respect for history. Every console carries a story, and grading preserves that story accurately.

By evolving from a B/C system to S/A/B, RetroPixl made a promise: every authentic retro gaming item would be described with the same care it was made with. That promise still defines us today.

For more on how grading shaped the collector landscape, see our feature on How Grading Changed Retro Collecting, which explains why condition benchmarks matter so deeply.