Donkey Kong 3 Free Play and High Score Save Kit
Product information "Donkey Kong 3 Free Play and High Score Save Kit"
HighScoreSaves Donkey Kong 3 Free Play and High Score Save Kit for Nintendo Arcade PCB
Upgrade a compatible original Nintendo Donkey Kong 3 arcade PCB with Free Play, permanent Top 5 score and initials saving, adjustable attract sounds, menu-driven settings, separate score tables, backup and restore, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support.
This arcade PCB upgrade uses the original Z80 processor and Nintendo game hardware. It preserves the original Donkey Kong 3 gameplay, controls, timing, graphics, and sound.
Start games without coins while retaining normal coin operation.
Permanently saves the five highest scores and player initials.
Adjust supported game and DIP-switch options through the kit menu.
Submit qualifying scores to the HighScoreSaves online leaderboard.
Add Permanent Score Saving to Your Donkey Kong 3 Arcade PCB
This HighScoreSaves kit adds battery-free storage for the Top 5 scores and player initials while continuing to use the original Nintendo Donkey Kong 3 arcade PCB, Z80 processor, controls, game program, graphics hardware, and sound hardware.
The kit also adds Free Play, adjustable attract sounds, menu-driven settings, separate score tables for supported lives settings, score backup and restore, attract-screen options, ROM Saver functionality, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support.
This product is not an emulator, replacement game board, or generic multigame system. Original Donkey Kong 3 gameplay remains unchanged.
HighScoreSaves Donkey Kong 3 Kit Features
- Free Play: Start games without inserting coins while retaining normal coin and token operation.
- Permanent Score Saving: Battery-free serial EEPROM storage retains scores and initials after cabinet power is turned off.
- Top 5 Scores and Initials: Permanently stores the five highest scores and player initials.
- Adjustable Attract Sounds: Select attract sounds during 25%, 50%, or 100% of supported attract-mode rotations.
- On-Screen Settings: Adjust supported game and DIP-switch options through the kit menu.
- No Separate Service Switch Required: Access the HighScoreSaves kit menu without adding a separate service or test switch.
- Separate Score Tables: Maintains independent score tables for supported two-, three-, four-, and five-life settings.
- Score Backup and Restore: Back up the current score table and restore it when needed.
- Attract-Mode Options: Reduces prolonged display of supported static attract screens while the cabinet is idle.
- Attract Logo Selection: Select a supported original-manufacturer or HighScoreSaves logo.
- ROM Saver: Supports removal of designated original program ROMs as explained in the installation guide.
- Cabinet Compatibility: Supports upright and cocktail cabinets using compatible original Nintendo Donkey Kong 3 hardware.
Hardware Compatibility
- Compatible Hardware: Compatible original Nintendo Donkey Kong 3 arcade PCB
- Processor Requirement: Original Z80 processor from the Donkey Kong 3 arcade board
- CPU Socket Requirement: The Z80 processor must be installed in a compatible 40-pin socket
- Cabinet Compatibility: Upright and cocktail cabinets using compatible original hardware
- Cabinet Access: Access to the arcade PCB is required during installation
- Service Switch: A separate service or test switch is not required for the HighScoreSaves kit menu
Installation Requirements
- Installation Difficulty: Easy when the original Z80 processor is already socketed
- Soldering Required: No, when the original Z80 is already installed in a compatible socket
- If the Z80 Is Soldered: A qualified arcade technician must remove the processor and install a compatible 40-pin socket before the kit can be used
- Installation Process: The original Z80 processor is transferred to the kit, and the assembled kit is installed in the vacated CPU socket
- Special Wiring: No special cabinet wiring is required for normal installation
- Installation Guide: Download the Donkey Kong 3 Installation Guide PDF
Standard and Optional Wi-Fi Kits
The Standard Kit permanently saves scores, initials, and supported settings locally on the installed arcade PCB. It does not require an internet connection.
The optional Wi-Fi Enabled Kit includes the same local score-saving features and can also submit qualifying scores to the HighScoreSaves online leaderboard after a player enters their initials.
Wi-Fi-enabled kits connect to compatible 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks. Wi-Fi can be disabled without affecting local score saving or gameplay.
HighScoreSaves Donkey Kong 3 Kit FAQ
Is this the HighScoreSaves or Braze Donkey Kong 3 kit?
This page is for the Donkey Kong 3 kit designed and supported by HighScoreSaves. A separate Braze Technologies Donkey Kong 3 kit is also available in the Donkey Kong 3 category.
How many scores and initials are saved?
The kit permanently stores the Top 5 scores and player initials.
Does the kit support Free Play and coin operation?
Yes. Free Play can be enabled while normal coin and token operation remains available.
Does installation require soldering?
No soldering is required when the original Z80 processor is already installed in a compatible socket. If it is soldered directly to the PCB, a qualified arcade technician must install a compatible 40-pin socket first.
Is a separate service or test switch required?
No. The supported settings are accessed through the HighScoreSaves on-screen kit menu.
Can the attract sounds be adjusted?
Yes. Attract sounds can be selected for 25%, 50%, or 100% of supported attract-mode rotations.
Does the kit maintain separate score tables?
Yes. Independent score tables are maintained for supported two-, three-, four-, and five-life settings.
Can scores be backed up and restored?
Yes. The kit includes supported score backup and restore functions.
Does the kit change Donkey Kong 3 gameplay?
No. The kit continues to use the original Nintendo arcade PCB, processor, controls, game program, graphics hardware, and sound hardware.
What is the difference between Standard and Wi-Fi kits?
Both versions save scores and initials locally. The Wi-Fi version can also submit qualifying scores to the HighScoreSaves online leaderboard using a compatible 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection.
Where can I download the installation guide?
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1 review
October 19, 2025 3:10 PM
Donkey Kong 3 Kit
Great addition to any DK3 for free play, high score saves, and attract mode/sounds! Another great kit from HSS!