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Bubble Bobble Free Play and High Score Save Kit

Product information "Bubble Bobble Free Play and High Score Save Kit"

The HighScoreSaves Bubble Bobble Free Play and High Score Save Kit upgrades a documented compatible original Taito Bubble Bobble arcade PCB with Free Play, permanent Top 10 high score saving, configurable settings, separate score tables, service features, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support while retaining the original Taito hardware and gameplay.

Bubble Bobble Compatibility & Requirements

Compatible PCB: Documented compatible original Taito Bubble Bobble arcade PCB
CPU: Z80B
CPU Requirement: Z80B processor required on all compatible Bubble Bobble boards
Socket: Compatible 40-pin CPU socket required
Soldering: Not required when the required Z80B location is already socketed
Installation Location: Documented Z80B CPU position
Program EEPROM: Included programmed IC52 EEPROM installs at the documented IC52 location
Cabinet Support: Documented upright and cocktail configurations

Installation: Plug-in installation when the required Z80B location is already socketed. If the Z80B is soldered directly to the PCB, a qualified arcade technician must install a compatible 40-pin socket before the kit can be used.

Bubble Bobble Settings Menu Video

See how to enter the Bubble Bobble settings menu and review the available options and controls.

What This Kit Adds

Free Play & Coin Operation Play Bubble Bobble without coins while retaining traditional Coin-Up operation when desired.
Top 10 High Score Saving Permanently stores the Top 10 supported scores using battery-free serial EEPROM storage.
Separate Score Tables Maintains separate supported high score tables for two-, three-, and four-life configurations.
On-Screen DIP Settings Configure supported game and cabinet options through the menu-driven settings interface.
Score Backup & Restore Back up stored high score data and restore it later when needed.
Reset & Self-Test Restart the game without powering off the cabinet and access supported Self-Test functions through the kit menu.
Attract-Mode Protection Supported attract-mode behavior helps reduce prolonged static-screen display.
ROM Saver Supports removal of designated original program ROMs as described in the installation guide.

What's Included

  • 1 × HighScoreSaves Z80 daughter PCB
  • 1 × programmed IC52 EEPROM

Z80B processor required: the compatible original Bubble Bobble PCB must use the required Z80B processor.

Standard vs. Wi-Fi Kit

Standard Kit

Saves supported scores, settings, and configuration data locally on the installed Bubble Bobble arcade PCB. No internet connection is required.

Wi-Fi Enabled Kit

Includes the same local features and can also submit qualifying completed scores to the HighScoreSaves online leaderboard.

Wi-Fi can be disabled without affecting local score saving, Free Play, settings, Self-Test access, reset functions, ROM Saver operation, or normal gameplay. Wi-Fi-enabled kits use compatible 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks.

Bubble Bobble Kit FAQ

How do I enter the Bubble Bobble kit settings menu?

Hold Player 1 Start for approximately 4 seconds while turning on the cabinet. The settings menu video above shows the available options and controls.

How are Bubble Bobble high scores organized?

The kit permanently saves the Top 10 supported scores and maintains separate supported score tables for two-, three-, and four-life settings.

How do I access Bubble Bobble Self-Test?

Self-Test can be accessed through the HighScoreSaves main menu or by setting all original PCB DIP switches to OFF.

Will the Wi-Fi kit still save scores if Wi-Fi is disabled?

Yes. Local score saving, settings, Free Play, service functions, and normal gameplay continue to work when Wi-Fi is disabled or unavailable.

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Average rating of 5 out of 5 stars


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2 reviews

June 29, 2026 8:49 PM

Review with rating of 5 out of 5 stars

Perfect addition to my Bubble Bobble cabinet

I installed this kit in my original Bubble Bobble PCB, and it worked flawlessly right out of the box. The installation guide was easy to follow, and the entire process took less time than I expected. Free play is a great feature, but having the high scores saved after powering off the machine is what really makes this upgrade stand out.
The kit is well designed, installs cleanly without modifying the original hardware, and has been completely reliable. Shipping was fast, everything arrived well packaged, and customer support answered my questions before I placed my order. If you own an original Bubble Bobble arcade machine, this is an excellent upgrade that keeps the cabinet original while adding modern convenience.

October 19, 2025 3:00 PM

Review with rating of 5 out of 5 stars

Bubble Bobble Kit - Read Install Guide

You get free play, high score saving and attract mode. Read the installation guide and inspect your PCB to determine if you will need to desolder your Z80. I had to socket mine, so if you are not comfortable or cable, find a friend or technician who can help you. Highly recommended for any Bubble Bobble owner even if you have to socket your Z80!

Our feedback: Alwats read the description and install guide! Enjoy!