Crystal Castles Free Play and High Score Save Kit
Product information "Crystal Castles Free Play and High Score Save Kit"
Crystal Castles Free Play and High Score Save Kit for Atari Arcade PCB
Upgrade your original Atari Crystal Castles arcade PCB with Free Play, Top 32 high score saving, serial EEPROM storage, ROM Saver support, lives-based score tables, Reset Button support, Fast Boot, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support while preserving authentic Crystal Castles gameplay on original arcade hardware.
Designed specifically for original Atari hardware, this plug-and-play upgrade improves long-term reliability without changing gameplay, timing, sound, trackball control, or the classic arcade experience collectors expect from Crystal Castles.
Play without coins while retaining optional Coin-Up operation.
Stores the Top 32 scores using reliable serial EEPROM storage.
Upload qualifying scores online to the global arcade leaderboard.
Designed for authentic Atari Crystal Castles arcade PCB gameplay.
Access the HighScoreSaves Crystal Castles 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 Crystal Castles PCB?
Restore and enhance your original Crystal Castles arcade machine with a professionally designed Free Play and High Score Save Kit built specifically for authentic Atari arcade hardware.
Original boards often lose high scores, rely on aging components, or suffer from unstable resets. This upgrade modernizes the PCB with reliable score saving and operator-friendly features while preserving the original gameplay, sound effects, timing, trackball control, and arcade feel that made Crystal Castles one of Atari’s most unique trackball arcade adventures.
Unlike multigame systems, reproduction boards, or emulation platforms, this kit keeps your original Atari Crystal Castles PCB intact while improving long-term reliability for collectors, operators, and restoration projects.
Included Crystal Castles Kit Features
- Easy Installation: No soldering or board modifications required when the 6502 processor is already socketed
- Permanent Score Saving: Reliable serial EEPROM storage with no battery or NVRAM required
- Top 32 Score Saving: Stores the Top 32 high scores
- Free Play Mode: Unlimited play without coins
- Coin-Up Support: Continue using quarters or tokens when coin operation is enabled
- Attract Mode Protection: Rotating gameplay demos help reduce static-screen display time
- Copyright Options: Choose original manufacturer or HighScoreSaves branding
- On-Screen DIP Settings: Configure supported settings directly from the menu system
- ROM Saver: Remove designated original program ROMs identified in the installation guide
- Cabinet Compatibility: Works in documented upright and cocktail cabinet configurations
- Backup and Restore: Save and reload high scores when needed
- Reset Button: Restart the game without powering the cabinet off when enabled
- Separate Score Tables: Separate tables for 2, 3, 4, or 5 lives settings
- Fast Boot: Minimal initialization time during startup
- Optional Wi-Fi: Adds qualifying online leaderboard score submission while keeping local score saving
Installation Information
- Installation Difficulty: Easy when the processor is already socketed
- Soldering Required: No, if the 6502 CPU is socketed
- Processor Requirement: Requires a 6502 processor
- Socketed CPU Required: Install a compatible 40-pin socket if needed
- Cabinet Compatibility: Upright and cocktail configurations supported
- ROM Saver: Remove only the original program ROMs identified in the Crystal Castles installation guide
- Important: Verify Pin 1 orientation, processor alignment, socket condition, and every processor pin before powering the cabinet back on
- Installation Guide: View/Download Crystal Castles 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 Crystal Castles gameplay, local score saving, Free Play, Coin-Up operation, menu settings, Backup and Restore, Reset Button support, Fast Boot, 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.
Crystal Castles Free Play and High Score Save Kit FAQ
How many scores are saved?
The kit stores the Top 32 high scores using reliable serial EEPROM storage.
Does it support Free Play and coins?
Yes. Use Free Play or continue using Coin-Up operation.
Are score tables separated by lives?
Yes. Separate score tables are tracked for 2, 3, 4, or 5 lives settings.
How is the HighScoreSaves Crystal Castles settings menu opened?
Hold Player 1 Start while turning the cabinet on. Release the button when the on-screen prompt tells you to continue.
What is ROM Saver?
ROM Saver allows the game program to run from the kit so the designated original program ROMs can be removed when following the installation guide.
Which processor is required?
A 6502 processor is required and must be installed in a compatible socketed location.
What does the Reset Button do?
The Reset Button restarts the game without powering the cabinet off when the option is enabled.
Will this kit change the original gameplay?
No. The kit preserves original Crystal Castles gameplay, timing, sound, trackball control, and Atari arcade PCB behavior.
Is Wi-Fi required?
No. Standard kits save supported scores and settings locally. Wi-Fi is optional for online leaderboard support.
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1 review
October 27, 2025 1:53 PM
Easy peasy to install. Even has a GOD mode.
Another great kit. Fits right into the 6502 socket with no fuss. Might be a bit tough to reach around the cabinet for the on/off switch with the player 1 button held down but I was able to juuust make it. :)