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, menu-driven DIP settings, 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, controls, or the classic cooperative arcade experience collectors expect.
Play without coins while retaining optional Coin-Up operation.
Stores the Top 10 scores using reliable serial EEPROM storage.
Upload qualifying scores online to the global arcade leaderboard.
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 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 Free Play, Top 10 high score saving, configurable settings, ROM Saver options, service features, and optional online leaderboard support.
Unlike multigame systems or reproduction boards, this kit keeps your original arcade PCB in service while improving long-term reliability for collectors, operators, and restoration projects.
Included Bubble Bobble Kit Features
- Easy Installation: No soldering, board modifications, or special wiring required when the required CPU socket is already installed
- 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 Free Play and traditional coin operation
- Attract Mode Protection: Helps minimize screen burn by avoiding static screens
- Menu-Driven DIP Settings: Change supported options directly from the on-screen menu
- Backup and Restore: Back up stored high scores and restore them when needed
- Reset Button: Restart the game without powering the cabinet off
- Separate Score Tables: Supports separate score tables for 2, 3, or 4 lives
- Self-Test Access: Available through the main menu or by setting all PCB DIP switches OFF
- ROM Saver: Optionally remove designated original program ROMs when installed as directed
- Cabinet Compatibility: Supports documented upright and cocktail cabinet configurations
- No Emulation: Designed for authentic original arcade hardware
- Optional Wi-Fi: Adds qualifying online leaderboard score submission while keeping local score saving
Access the HighScoreSaves Bubble Bobble Settings Menu
To access the settings menu, hold Player 1 Start while turning the cabinet on. Release the button when the on-screen prompt tells you to continue.
Why Upgrade Your Original Bubble Bobble PCB?
Original Taito Bubble Bobble boards were built for commercial arcade use, not decades of home arcade, collector, and tournament operation. This kit helps keep your original Taito PCB in service by adding Free Play, permanent score saving, configurable settings, service features, and optional online leaderboard support without replacing the game board.
For restorations and game rooms, the biggest benefit is convenience without compromise. The authentic Bubble Bobble gameplay, music, timing, controls, and cabinet experience remain intact while the machine gains reliable score storage, easier setup, ROM Saver options, and better everyday operation.
Installation Information
- Installation Difficulty: Easy when the required CPU socket is already installed
- 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 compatible 40-pin socket if needed
- Cabinet Compatibility: Upright and cocktail configurations supported
- PCB Type: Designed for documented compatible original Taito Bubble Bobble arcade PCBs
- Installation Guide: View/Download Bubble Bobble Install Guide (PDF)
Optional Wi-Fi Features and Online Leaderboards
Standard kits save scores locally to the PCB. Wi-Fi is optional and is not required for normal Bubble Bobble gameplay, local score saving, Free Play, Coin-Up operation, menu settings, Self-Test access, Reset Button support, or ROM Saver operation.
Upgrade to a Wi-Fi Enabled Kit to submit qualifying scores online and compete against players through the HighScoreSaves global leaderboard platform.
Bubble Bobble Free Play and High Score Save Kit FAQ
Which arcade PCB does the HighScoreSaves Bubble Bobble kit support?
The kit is designed for documented compatible original Taito Bubble Bobble arcade PCBs.
How many high scores does the Bubble Bobble kit save?
The kit saves the Top 10 scores using reliable serial EEPROM storage.
Does the Bubble Bobble kit support Free Play and coin operation?
Yes. The kit supports Free Play and traditional Coin-Up operation.
How is the HighScoreSaves Bubble Bobble settings menu opened?
Hold Player 1 Start while turning the cabinet on. Release the button when the on-screen prompt tells you to continue.
Does the Bubble Bobble kit support separate score tables?
Yes. Separate score tables are supported for 2, 3, or 4 lives.
How do I access Self-Test mode?
Self-Test is accessible through the main menu or by setting all PCB DIP switches OFF.
What is ROM Saver?
ROM Saver allows designated original program ROMs to be removed because the program runs directly from the kit when installed as directed.
Are there CPU requirements for the Bubble Bobble kit?
Yes. Some boards require a Z80B processor, and a compatible 40-pin socket may be required depending on the PCB.
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, service access, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support while keeping the original arcade experience intact.
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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!