Dig Dug Free Play and High Score Save Kit
Product information "Dig Dug Free Play and High Score Save Kit"
HighScoreSaves Dig Dug Free Play and High Score Save Kit
Upgrade a documented compatible original Namco or Atari Dig Dug arcade PCB with Free Play, permanent Top 5 score and initials saving, lives-specific score tables, menu-driven settings, score backup and restore, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support.
This HighScoreSaves daughterboard operates with the original Dig Dug arcade PCB without replacing it with an emulation platform, reproduction board, or multicade system.
Dig Dug
Start games without coins while retaining optional coin operation.
Permanently stores qualifying high scores and player initials.
Maintains separate supported tables for two through five lives.
Submit supported completed scores to HighScoreSaves leaderboards.
Upgrade Dig Dug on Original Arcade Hardware
The HighScoreSaves Dig Dug Kit adds modern score-saving and operator features while retaining the documented compatible original arcade PCB, joystick, pump button, display hardware, sound hardware, and Dig Dug gameplay.
Dig Dug remains the only selectable game. The kit focuses on Free Play, permanent score retention, initials saving, lives-specific score tables, menu-driven configuration, and optional online score submission.
Standard and Wi-Fi-enabled kits provide the same local gameplay and score-saving features. Wi-Fi adds supported leaderboard submission without replacing local storage.
Open the HighScoreSaves Dig Dug Menu
During attract mode, hold Player 1 Start for approximately four seconds to open the supported game and settings menu.
Normal Free Play Start-Light Behavior
When the kit is configured for Free Play, the Player 1 and Player 2 Start button lights do not flash. This is normal operation and does not indicate a problem with the cabinet or kit.
Free Play and Permanent Score Saving
- Permanent Top 5 scores: Retains the five highest supported scores after cabinet power is removed.
- Player initials: Saves qualifying initials with supported high scores.
- Free Play: Start Dig Dug without inserting coins.
- Coin operation: Continue accepting quarters or tokens when Free Play is disabled.
- Lives-specific score tables: Maintains separate supported tables for two-, three-, four-, and five-life configurations.
- Score backup and restore: Back up and restore supported high-score data through the kit menu.
- High-score reset: Clear supported saved scores through the settings menu.
- Battery-free storage: Supported scores, initials, and settings use serial EEPROM storage.
Dig Dug Operator and Cabinet Features
- Menu-driven DIP settings: Configure supported game and operator options through the on-screen menu.
- Saved configuration: Supported settings remain stored after cabinet power is removed.
- Rotating attract displays: Changes supported attract screens instead of continuously showing one static display.
- Upright and cocktail support: Compatible with documented upright and cocktail cabinet configurations.
- Original controls retained: Continue using the cabinet joystick, pump button, and start controls.
- ROM Saver operation: The kit supplies supported program code. Remove only the original program ROMs identified in the installation guide.
Important PCB and Installation Requirements
- Supported hardware: Designed for documented compatible original Namco and Atari Dig Dug arcade PCBs.
- PCB access required: The original arcade game board must be accessed during installation.
- 40-pin Z80 location: The kit installs at the documented Z80 processor location.
- Original processor: The original Z80 is removed from the PCB and installed on the HighScoreSaves daughterboard unless a compatible processor option is selected.
- No soldering when socketed: Installation does not require soldering when the Z80 location already has a compatible 40-pin socket.
- Soldered processor: If the Z80 is soldered directly to the PCB, a qualified arcade technician must install a compatible 40-pin socket.
- Program ROM removal: Remove only the designated original program ROMs identified in the Dig Dug installation guide.
- Orientation: Verify Pin 1 alignment and inspect every processor pin before restoring cabinet power.
Installation Information
- Installation type: Daughterboard upgrade for documented compatible original Dig Dug arcade hardware
- Included game: Dig Dug
- Supported board types: Documented compatible Namco and Atari Dig Dug PCBs
- Processor: Compatible Z80 processor
- Processor location: Documented 40-pin Z80 socket
- Soldering required: No, when the required processor location is already socketed
- Program ROM requirement: Follow the installation guide for designated ROM removal
- Cabinet compatibility: Documented upright and cocktail configurations
- Installation guide: Download the Dig Dug installation guide
Standard and Optional Wi-Fi Versions
The Standard Kit permanently stores supported scores, initials, settings, and configuration data locally. An internet connection is not required.
The optional 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi Kit includes the same local features and can also submit supported completed scores after qualifying initials are entered.
Wi-Fi can be disabled without affecting Dig Dug gameplay, Free Play, local score saving, lives-specific score tables, or menu operation.
Dig Dug Kit FAQ
How many high scores does the Dig Dug kit save?
The kit permanently stores the Top 5 supported scores and qualifying player initials.
Are scores separated by the number of lives?
Yes. Supported score tables are maintained separately for two-, three-, four-, and five-life configurations.
How is the HighScoreSaves menu opened?
Hold Player 1 Start for approximately four seconds during attract mode.
Why do the start-button lights stop flashing in Free Play?
The Player 1 and Player 2 Start lights do not flash while Free Play is enabled. This is normal operation.
Does the kit support Free Play and coin operation?
Yes. Free Play can be enabled, or the cabinet can continue using traditional coin operation.
Does installation require soldering?
Not when the documented Z80 location already has a compatible 40-pin socket. A qualified arcade technician must install a socket when the processor is soldered directly to the PCB.
Does the kit replace the original Dig Dug PCB?
No. The HighScoreSaves daughterboard operates with a documented compatible original Namco or Atari Dig Dug arcade PCB.
Is Wi-Fi required?
No. Standard kits save supported scores, initials, and settings locally. Wi-Fi is optional for online score submission.
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4 reviews
February 8, 2026 8:39 PM
Easy installation
Perfect kit for saving high scores. Shipped fast and easy to install.
November 16, 2025 10:05 PM
Must have kit
Very happy that Highscoresaves makes kits for these classic arcade games. Ordered and received within a few days. Install guide is straight forward for an easy installation. The save kit works perfectly. Highly recommended!
September 23, 2025 2:01 AM
Easy peasy to install, don't have to manually add credits anymore.
Kit has the usual bells & whistles, and yes you can reach the Player 1 button and the rear power switch using both hands. Apparently there are several Dig Dug board configurations and this kit worked just fine with mine (the middle picture in the instruction guide).
September 23, 2025 12:24 AM
Works great dealing with my Namco dig dug board
Not only does it save scores, and have free play which, is great it works with my Namco board. Most people have an Atari board but with either one it's easy to install. So this is good news for those outside of the United States who are more likely to have a Namco boardset. This is totally worth every penny!