Shell condition records the physical plastic housing around the board. It matters for display, durability, and whether the cartridge feels right in original SNES hardware.
A Grade
An A shell is clean, square, and structurally sound. Light handling marks are acceptable, but the shell should have no cracks, missing tabs, heavy yellowing, deep gouges, or loose seams.
B Grade
A B shell has normal shelf wear. Small scuffs, mild discoloration, light screw wear, or small cosmetic marks are acceptable when the cartridge still closes and inserts cleanly.
C Grade
A C shell has obvious wear. This includes yellowing, deeper scratches, worn screw posts, small chips, or uneven seams that do not prevent normal use.
D Grade
A D shell has serious physical issues: cracks, broken posts, missing pieces, severe warping, heavy staining, or a fit problem that makes the cartridge unsuitable without repair or reshelling.
Custom Build Rule
For made-to-order cartridges, new shells default to A unless the listing intentionally offers an aged, original, or restored shell.