Bubble Bobble Free Play and High Score Save Kit
Product information "Bubble Bobble Free Play and High Score Save Kit"
Bubble Bobble Free Play and High Score Save Kit for Taito Arcade PCB
Upgrade your original Taito Bubble Bobble arcade PCB with Free Play, permanent Top 10 high score saving, attract mode protection, ROM Saver features, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support while preserving authentic gameplay and original arcade hardware.
Designed specifically for original Taito hardware, this plug-and-play upgrade improves long-term reliability without changing gameplay, timing, music, sound, or the classic cooperative arcade experience collectors expect.
Play without coins while retaining optional coin operation.
Stores the Top 10 scores using reliable serial EEPROM storage.
Upload scores online to global arcade leaderboards.
Preserves your original Taito Bubble Bobble PCB, gameplay, music, timing, and controls.
Upgrade Your Bubble Bobble Arcade Experience
Restore and enhance your original Bubble Bobble arcade machine with a professionally designed Free Play and High Score Save Kit built specifically for authentic Taito arcade hardware.
Original boards often lose high scores, rely on aging components, or suffer from unstable resets. This upgrade modernizes your PCB while preserving the original gameplay, music, timing, and arcade feel that made Bubble Bobble one of the most beloved cooperative arcade classics.
Unlike multigame systems or reproduction boards, this kit keeps your original arcade PCB intact while improving long-term reliability for collectors, operators, and restoration projects.
Included Features
- Easy Installation: No soldering, board modifications, or special wiring required
- Permanent Score Saving: Reliable serial EEPROM storage with no batteries required
- High Score Save: Saves the Top 10 scores
- Free Play and Coin-Up: Supports both gameplay styles
- Attract Mode Protection: Helps minimize screen burn by avoiding static screens
- Menu-Driven DIP Settings: Change options directly on-screen
- ROM Saver: Optionally remove original program ROMs to reduce power usage
- Cabinet Compatibility: Works in Upright and Cocktail cabinets
- Backup and Restore: Save and restore high scores anytime
- Reset Button: Restart a game without powering the cabinet off
- Separate Score Tables: Supports 2, 3, or 4 lives
- Self-Test Access: Available via main menu or all PCB DIP switches OFF
Why Upgrade Your Original Bubble Bobble PCB?
Original Taito Bubble Bobble boards can lose scores, rely on aging components, or require repeated setup adjustments after power cycles. This upgrade preserves your original PCB while adding modern convenience features for home arcades, restorations, game rooms, and tournament play.
The kit keeps the authentic Bubble Bobble gameplay, music, timing, controls, and cabinet experience intact while adding Free Play, Top 10 high score saving, configurable settings, ROM Saver options, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support.
Installation Information
- Installation Difficulty: Easy
- Soldering Required: Only if the required CPU socket is not already installed
- CPU Requirements: Some boards require a Z80B processor
- Socketed CPU Required: Install a 40-pin socket if needed
- Cabinet Compatibility: Upright and Cocktail supported
- Installation Guide: Download PDF Installation Guide
Optional Wi-Fi Features and Online Leaderboards
Upgrade to a Wi-Fi Enabled Kit to upload scores online and compete against players around the world, locally within your arcade, or across your own connected cabinet network.
Standard kits save scores locally to the PCB, while Wi-Fi kits add automatic online score syncing through the HighScoreSaves global leaderboard platform.
Bubble Bobble Free Play and High Score Save Kit FAQ
How many scores are saved?
The kit saves the Top 10 scores.
Does it support Free Play and coin operation?
Yes. You can use either Free Play or standard coin-up operation.
Can I change settings without opening the cabinet?
Yes. All options are available directly through the on-screen menu system.
How do I access Self-Test mode?
Self-Test is accessible through the main menu or by setting all PCB DIP switches to OFF.
What is ROM Saver?
ROM Saver allows original program ROMs to be removed because the program runs directly from the kit.
Does it support separate score tables?
Yes. Separate score tables are supported for 2, 3, or 4 lives.
Are there CPU requirements?
Yes. Some boards require a Z80B processor.
Will this kit change the original gameplay?
No. The kit preserves the original Taito Bubble Bobble gameplay, controls, music, sound, and timing. It adds Free Play, high score saving, menu settings, ROM Saver features, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support while keeping the original arcade experience intact.
Where can I download the installation guide?
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2 reviews
June 29, 2026 8:49 PM
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
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!