Darksoft Taito F3 Multigame Kit
Product information "Darksoft Taito F3 Multigame Kit"
Darksoft Taito F3 Multigame Kit Overview
The Darksoft Taito F3 Multigame Kit allows supported game titles to run on a compatible original Taito F3 arcade motherboard. Games are selected from a microSD card with the included LCD selector and written to flash memory on the multigame board.
After a game is written, it remains stored in flash memory when the system is powered off. The selected game stays loaded until a different title is chosen and written to the multigame board.
Compatibility and Requirements
- Requires a working original Taito F3 arcade motherboard.
- Requires a working arcade cabinet or compatible supergun setup.
- The plastic region-locking tabs on the motherboard’s four cartridge connectors must be carefully removed before installation.
- A reliable, good-quality microSD card is required and is not included.
- Game software is not supplied with the multigame kit.
- Only use game data that you are legally entitled to possess and operate.
Important VR1 Warning
Do not adjust the potentiometer labeled VR1 on the Taito F3 motherboard. Although it resembles the volume control found on many arcade PCBs, VR1 regulates voltage. Adjusting it can damage the original motherboard and the Darksoft multigame board.
Preparing the Taito F3 Motherboard
Remove the Plastic Region Locks
The original motherboard has plastic region-locking tabs on its four cartridge connectors. These tabs must be carefully removed so the multigame board can connect to all four sockets.
Protect the Original Connectors
Region-lock removal must be performed carefully. Damaging a connector or cutting into the original motherboard can make the hardware unusable. Review the complete installation guide before beginning.
Use an Experienced Technician When Needed
Have a qualified arcade technician prepare the motherboard when you are not comfortable removing the region locks or handling original board-level hardware.
Installing the Multigame Board
- Disconnect the Taito F3 hardware from power before installation.
- Discharge static before handling the original motherboard or multigame board.
- Handle the large multigame PCB by its edges and avoid pressing or pulling from the center.
- Position the multigame board directly above the motherboard’s four cartridge connectors.
- Confirm that all four connectors are completely aligned before applying pressure.
- Press the board into place gently and evenly until all four connectors are fully seated.
- Never force one connector into place while the remaining connectors are misaligned.
Preparing the microSD Card
Use a good-quality, properly formatted microSD card. Low-quality cards and improperly prepared file structures are common causes of games not loading correctly.
Place each supported game in its required folder. Every game folder
must contain a file named NAME. The text in that file
determines the game name displayed on the LCD selector.
Insert the prepared microSD card into the multigame board before selecting and loading a game. Do not remove the card while game data is being written or while firmware is being updated.
Note for Mac Users
macOS may create hidden files and directories beginning with
._ on removable media. Those files can interfere with game
loading.
The installation guide recommends cleaning the card with the macOS
dot_clean command before use:
dot_clean /Volumes/SDCardName
Verify the correct volume name before running any Terminal command. Selecting the wrong volume can alter files on another drive.
Selecting and Loading Games
LCD Game Selector
Use the left and right buttons on the included LCD selector to browse supported titles stored on the microSD card. Press the OK button to select the displayed game.
Loading Progress
The LCD displays a progress bar while the selected game is being written. Do not interrupt power or remove the microSD card during this process.
Now Playing
When programming is complete, the LCD displays NOW PLAYING. The selected game is then stored in flash memory and remains installed until another title is written.
LCD Contrast
Use the small trim control near the microSD-card slot to adjust the LCD contrast when the display appears too light or too dark.
Optional Auto-Reset Wire
An optional auto-reset wire allows the Taito F3 system to reset automatically after a different game is loaded and helps prevent screen flicker during the change.
- One end connects to SWD7 on the Darksoft multigame PCB.
- The other end connects to IC35 on the original Taito F3 motherboard.
- The connection requires soldering to the original hardware.
The auto-reset wire should be installed only by someone experienced with precise arcade-PCB soldering. Without the wire, follow the instructions in the installation guide for restarting the system after loading a game.
Important Before Use
- Do not adjust the motherboard’s VR1 potentiometer.
- Do not force the multigame board onto misaligned connectors.
- Do not remove the microSD card or interrupt power while a game or firmware update is being written.
- Do not flex the multigame PCB or press against its center.
- Review the complete installation guide before removing the region locks or installing the optional auto-reset wire.
- Only use game software that you are legally entitled to possess and operate.
Shipping Information
Please note: This product ships with insurance and signature confirmation. Orders normally ship within 1–3 business days.
United States
- Flat-rate shipping is $35.99 through USPS or UPS based on package size, weight, and destination.
- Two Darksoft Multigame Kits can ship together for the same flat-rate shipping price.
International
- Orders containing Darksoft products ship by expedited UPS international service.
- Customs duties, taxes, brokerage charges, and import fees are the customer’s responsibility.
- A telephone number is required for international shipments.
- HighScoreSaves cannot under-declare shipment values.
-
Suggested tariff code:
95049080.
Darksoft Taito F3 Technical Support
Technical information and community assistance are available through the Arcade Projects Taito F3 forum.
ArcadeProjects.com — Taito F3 Support
Review the installation guide and contact HighScoreSaves or the support community before concluding that the multigame kit is defective.
Frequently Asked Questions
What original hardware is required?
You need a working original Taito F3 motherboard and a working arcade cabinet or compatible supergun.
Does the motherboard require preparation?
Yes. The plastic region-locking tabs on the four cartridge connectors must be carefully removed before the multigame board is installed.
Should I adjust VR1?
No. VR1 regulates voltage and is not a volume control. Adjusting it can damage the original motherboard and the multigame kit.
How do I select a game?
Use the left and right buttons on the included LCD selector to browse games stored on the microSD card, then press OK to load the selected title.
Does the selected game remain after power is removed?
Yes. The game remains stored in flash memory until a different title is selected and written.
Is a microSD card included?
No. A good-quality microSD card must be supplied separately and prepared
with the required game folders and NAME files.
Can I remove the microSD card while a game is loading?
No. Do not remove the card or interrupt power while game data or a firmware update is being written.
What does the optional auto-reset wire do?
It allows the system to reset automatically after a different game is loaded. The wire connects SWD7 on the multigame PCB to IC35 on the original motherboard and requires soldering.
Where can I get technical support?
Review the installation guide and visit the Arcade Projects Taito F3 forum .
Where can I review Taito F3 compatibility information?
Visit the Darksoft Taito F3 Multigame Kits category for compatibility, installation, and accessory information.
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1 review
January 10, 2026 2:28 AM
J Kramer
Bought a few of the Darksoft kits at the start of the year. Amazingly fast tracking provided and delivery was great. Kits were sent with signature required. Got them all installed and work great! Preordered the MVS coming out soon too! I'll be back for more (and tell all of my friends where to buy them at)
Thank you!