Darksoft CPS2 Multigame Kit Hardware Compatibility
Confirm whether your original Capcom CPS2 arcade hardware is compatible with the Darksoft CPS2 Multigame Kit. Compatibility depends on the exact CPS2 A-board, B-board revision, battery condition, key-writing connection, and installation configuration rather than the cabinet or game title alone.
Choosing the Correct Darksoft CPS2 Hardware
The Darksoft CPS2 Multigame Kit is designed for documented compatible original Capcom CPS2 hardware. A CPS2 cabinet, marquee, or game title alone does not confirm compatibility. The important factors are the actual A-board and B-board installed in the machine, the B-board revision, battery condition, and available key-writing connection.
The Champion Edition installs on an original CPS2 B-board and operates with a compatible CPS2 A-board. Before ordering, inspect the boardset, identify the B-board revision, verify that the B-board is batteryless, and determine whether the board provides the preferred key-writing connector or requires soldered wiring.
CPS2 A-Board & B-Board Compatibility
Preferred CPS2 B-Board Revisions
If you are selecting a CPS2 B-board specifically for a Darksoft installation, the current installation guide recommends the following revisions:
- 93646BG5
- 93646BG6
- 93646BG7
- 97691AG3
These revisions include the JST NH connector used for the documented key-writing connection, simplifying installation when using original untouched ROM sets.
Earlier 93646BG3 and 93646BG4 revisions are still usable, but the key-writing wires must be soldered to the CN2 connector if key writing is required.
Preparing the CPS2 B-Board
The CPS2 B-board must be prepared before the Darksoft boards are installed. Preparation includes opening the B-board shell and removing the socketed game EPROMs and MASK ROMs identified in the installation guide.
Only remove the components identified by the installation documentation. Other sockets and devices shown in the guide remain in place. Once the donor B-board is ROMless, the Darksoft multigame PCBs can be aligned and installed into the original board sockets.
CPS2 Key-Writing Compatibility
Darksoft CPS2 Pre-Order Compatibility Checklist
microSD Card & Game Selection Setup
A compatible microSD card is required for the Darksoft CPS2 system. The installation documentation recommends genuine 4GB or 8GB Class 4 cards from established manufacturers such as Samsung, SanDisk, or Kingston.
The card must be prepared in the documented FAT32 format with the required directory structure and supported game files. Counterfeit, damaged, or incorrectly prepared cards can cause loading and boot problems.
Game selection is handled through the CPS2 multigame LCD selector. Review the complete installation instructions for the exact card preparation and operating procedure.
After Confirming CPS2 Hardware Compatibility
Once your CPS2 A-board and B-board meet the documented requirements, use the individual Champion Edition product page for the current kit configuration, included components, price, availability, shipping information, and ordering options.
Darksoft CPS2 installation accessories are also available separately, including key-writing, LCD, cable, and protective hardware for supported CPS2 installations.
Darksoft CPS2 Compatibility FAQ
What CPS2 hardware is required?
A compatible original Capcom CPS2 A-board and matching B-board are required. The B-board must be batteryless before being prepared for the multigame installation.
Which CPS2 B-board revisions are preferred?
The current installation guide recommends revisions 93646BG5, 93646BG6, 93646BG7, and 97691AG3 when selecting a donor because they include the convenient JST NH key-writing connector.
Can 93646BG3 or 93646BG4 B-boards be used?
Yes. Those revisions can work, but the documented key-writing installation requires four wires to be soldered to the CN2 connector.
Do the original CPS2 game ROMs stay installed?
No. The socketed EPROMs and MASK ROMs identified in the installation guide are removed from the donor B-board before the Darksoft multigame boards are installed.
Is a microSD card required?
Yes. A compatible microSD card is required and must be prepared according to the Darksoft CPS2 installation documentation before the system can load games.