Asteroids Free Play and High Score Save Kit
Product information "Asteroids Free Play and High Score Save Kit"
HighScoreSaves Asteroids Free Play and High Score Save Kit for Atari Arcade PCB
Upgrade your original Atari Asteroids arcade PCB with Free Play, permanent Top 10 high score saving, extended scoring, menu-driven settings, attract-mode protection, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support while preserving the original vector gameplay, controls, timing, graphics, and sound.
This plug-and-play arcade PCB upgrade uses the original 6502 processor and authentic Atari vector hardware. Installation requires a socketed 6502 CPU. No soldering is required when the original processor is already installed in a socket.
Battery-free EEPROM storage permanently retains the ten highest scores.
Supports displayed scores up to 9,999,990 points.
Submit qualifying scores to the HighScoreSaves online leaderboard.
Designed specifically for a compatible original Atari Asteroids PCB.
Add Permanent Score Saving to Your Original Asteroids Arcade PCB
Original Asteroids arcade hardware does not retain high scores after the machine is powered off. This HighScoreSaves kit adds battery-free Top 10 score storage while continuing to use the original Atari PCB, 6502 processor, vector display hardware, controls, sound hardware, and game program.
The kit also adds Free Play, coin-operation support, extended scoring, menu-driven settings, separate score tables for supported lives settings, score backup and restore, attract-mode protection, a reset function, optional copyright-screen branding, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support.
This is not an emulator, replacement game board, or multigame system. The original Asteroids gameplay remains unchanged.
HighScoreSaves Asteroids Kit Features
- Free Play Mode: Start games without coins while retaining normal coin operation when desired.
- Permanent High Score Saving: Battery-free serial EEPROM storage retains scores after power is turned off.
- Top 10 Score Tracking: Permanently stores the ten highest scores.
- Extended Scoring: Supports displayed scores up to 99,999,990 points.
- Separate Score Tables: Maintains separate high score tables for supported lives settings.
- Menu-Driven Settings: Adjust supported game options through the arcade controls after installation.
- Attract-Mode Protection: Additional settings help reduce prolonged static vector display time.
- Score Backup and Restore: Back up stored scores and restore them when needed.
- Reset Function: Restart the game without cycling cabinet power.
- Copyright-Screen Selection: Select supported manufacturer or HighScoreSaves screen branding.
- ROM Saver: Supports removal of designated original program ROMs as explained in the installation guide.
- Cabinet Compatibility: Supports upright and cocktail Asteroids cabinets using compatible original Atari hardware.
Hardware and ROM Requirements
- Compatible Hardware: Compatible original Atari Asteroids arcade PCB
- Processor Requirement: Original 6502 processor
- CPU Socket Requirement: The 6502 processor must be installed in a 40-pin socket
- ROM Requirement: Requires the Asteroids Version 2 vector ROM set
- Cabinet Compatibility: Upright and cocktail cabinets using compatible original hardware
- Cabinet Access: Access to the arcade PCB is required during installation
Installation Requirements
- Installation Difficulty: Easy when the original 6502 CPU is already socketed
- Soldering Required: No, when the original 6502 CPU is already installed in a socket
- If the 6502 Is Soldered: A qualified arcade technician must remove the processor and install a 40-pin socket before the kit can be used
- Installation Process: The original 6502 is transferred to the kit, and the assembled kit is installed in the original CPU socket
- Installation Guide: Download the Asteroids Installation Guide PDF
Standard and Optional Wi-Fi Kits
The Standard Kit permanently saves scores and settings locally on the installed arcade PCB. It does not require an internet connection.
The optional Wi-Fi Enabled Kit includes the same local score-saving features and can also submit qualifying scores to the HighScoreSaves online leaderboard after a player enters their initials.
Wi-Fi-enabled kits connect to compatible 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks. Wi-Fi can be disabled without affecting local score saving or normal gameplay.
HighScoreSaves Asteroids Kit FAQ
Is this the HighScoreSaves or Braze Asteroids kit?
This page is for the Asteroids kit designed and supported by HighScoreSaves. A separate Braze Technologies Asteroids kit is also available in the Asteroids category.
Is the Asteroids kit plug and play?
Yes, when the original 6502 CPU is already installed in a socket. The original processor is transferred to the kit, and the assembled kit is installed in the original CPU socket.
Does installation require soldering?
No soldering is required when the original 6502 CPU is already socketed. If the processor is soldered directly to the PCB, a qualified technician must install a 40-pin socket first.
How many high scores does the kit save?
The kit permanently stores the Top 10 scores and supports displayed scores up to 99,999,990 points.
Does Free Play disable normal coin operation?
No. Free Play can be used while retaining normal coin operation when desired.
Which ROM version is required?
The kit requires the Asteroids Version 2 vector ROM set. Review the installation guide before ordering or installing the kit.
Does the kit change the original Asteroids gameplay?
No. The kit continues to use the original Atari PCB, 6502 processor, controls, vector display hardware, sound hardware, and game program.
What is the difference between Standard and Wi-Fi kits?
Both versions save scores locally. The Wi-Fi version can also submit qualifying scores to the HighScoreSaves online leaderboard through a compatible 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection.
Where can I download the installation guide?
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2 reviews
August 4, 2026 4:18 PM
A Must Have for Bragging Rights!
Great product! Easy to install in just a few minutes. Now my Brother in Law (who thinks he is the better Asteroids player) can see my name at Number One! Every time he comes over! This kit is crucial for bragging rights.
November 16, 2025 10:05 PM
Must have kit
Very happy that Highscoresaves makes kits for these classic arcade games. Ordered and received within a few days. Install guide is straight forward for an easy installation. The save kit works perfectly. Highly recommended!