What Is GradedGuard and Why Choose It? SNKRDUNK Interviews GradedGuard Founder Minh Hoang

11th July 2025 EDT FEATURES

What Is GradedGuard and Why Choose It? SNKRDUNK Interviews GradedGuard Founder Minh Hoang

Ever bought a GradedGuard case or slab? If you have, this is the guy behind it all.

Established in 2021, GradedGuard is a US-based card case and slab company that has been growing in stature among the TCG community.

For more on the story behind GradedGuard as well as why GradedGuard cases and slabs are worth it, we spoke to Minh Hoang, the company’s founder.

Could you introduce yourself?

Hi! I’m Minh. I’m an avid collector of many things—but many also know me as the CEO of GradedGuard!

Can you tell us about what GradedGuard is and how and why it started?

GradedGuard is a brand focused on creating unique and innovative accessories for graded cards. It started from a simple conversation over coffee—a friend and I asked each other about why there aren’t simple, easy-to-use cases for graded cards. It seemed like phone cases had reached a crazy frenzy at the time (early 2021), and I took a lot of inspiration from companies in that space. I cut up a few things in my room to make a prototype, did a bit of pointed research to reach out to the right people, and the rest is history!

What would you say are the biggest advantages of GradedGuard card cases?

GradedGuard’s biggest advantage is its community. The extra flair and “oomph” the colors, designs, and the rest add ultimately land in a living, thriving community of customers and collectors. We love accessorizing and protecting slabs, but we love connecting people and collectors even more.

Why did you choose to work with SNKRDUNK?

We wanted to work with SNKRDUNK because SNKRDUNK operates in multiple industries that we all love and take active part in. We love the work you do for consumers! As a casual sneaker and toy collector, I’m of course drawn to brands that are involved with fashion, toys, pop culture, etc.

Similarly, how would you say that SNKRDUNK benefits from working with GradedGuard?

We see GradedGuard fitting very naturally within the fold of SNKRDUNK customers. I’d love to say that working with us can help SNKRDUNK add a special and unique experience for each customer that picks up a graded card and pairs it with their new favorite case for it.

Ever since you started working with SNKRDUNK, have you been to a SNKRDUNK store and seen the cards in your company’s own cases for yourself?

Not yet, but I would love to! Hopefully sooner rather than later!

Is SNKRDUNK the first brand selling TCG cards that you’ve worked with?

Nope!

Which were the others?

A couple of quick ones that come to mind are CardsHQ and Oxley Grading, but the list could go on and on. We work with a large number of brands, dedicated card stores, and individuals to supply a large network of in-person and online buyers.

When purchasing any card case—whether GradedGuard or otherwise—what would you say are the most important points to look out for, i.e., what makes a good card case?

I’d say the most important points to look out for are quality, design, and function! There are many options on the market now, and we love to see that. At the end of the day, the case that looks the best to you and makes you feel the best will be the best! Hopefully that’s GradedGuard, but we’re fans of everything out there.

Now moving on to the topic of your own collection, how did you get into TCG collection?

I’ve been collecting cards since I was a kid! But, the peak of my collecting career was back in 2016 when I bought my first graded card—a Japanese PSA 10 1st Edition Latias ☆ from Clash of the Blue Sky. It was my entry point into learning about PSA grading, which set off years and years of buying, selling, and trading- and ultimately, GradedGuard!

In your time as a TCG collector, what has been your greatest experience?

It happens all the time now—my favorite collecting experiences are getting to hear about the experiences of others. There’s nothing better than that feeling and getting a chance to contribute directly to that. We’re in a very, very amazing position within this hobby that I’ve loved for so long.

We noticed that you play the Pokémon video games as well. What’s your favorite team of six you’ve ever put together?

Rowlet (I soft reset for this guy; I never start games unless I soft reset for a Shiny starter. Fun fact: I also kept him a Rowlet because he’s cuter that way, haha..)
Whimsicott
Golisopod
Vaporeon
Garchomp
Lunala

Can we have a final message for your social media followers as well as your current and potential customers?

Thank you all for continuing to support us on this journey! We’ve got a lot more in store for you. And, if you aren’t a part of our community yet, we’d love to have you! ❤️

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