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 scores online to global arcade leaderboards.
Designed for authentic Atari Crystal Castles arcade PCB gameplay.
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 or reproduction boards, this kit keeps your original Atari Crystal Castles PCB intact while improving long-term reliability for collectors, operators, and restoration projects.
Included 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
- Attract Mode Protection: Rotating gameplay demos help reduce screen burn
- Copyright Options: Choose original manufacturer or HighScoreSaves branding
- On-Screen DIP Settings: Configure supported settings directly from the menu system
- ROM Saver: Optionally remove original program ROMs identified in the installation guide
- Cabinet Compatibility: Works in Upright and Cocktail cabinets
- Backup and Restore: Save and reload high scores anytime
- Reset Button: Restart the game without powering off
- Separate Score Tables: Separate tables for 2–5 lives settings
- Fast Boot: Minimal initialization time during startup
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 supported
- 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
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.
Crystal Castles Free Play and High Score Save Kit FAQ
How many scores are saved?
The kit stores the Top 32 high scores.
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 2–5 lives settings.
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.
Where can I download the installation guide?
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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. :)