1943 Arcade PCB Upgrade Overview for Original Capcom Hardware
Review the available HighScoreSaves upgrade option for compatible original Capcom 1943 arcade PCBs, including Free Play, permanent high score saving, installation requirements, hardware compatibility, serial EEPROM storage, menu-driven settings, multiple score tables, Backup and Restore, God Mode practice features, ROM Saver support, upright/cocktail cabinet support, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support.
This category is intended for collectors, operators, and restoration projects using original 1943 arcade hardware. The upgrade keeps the original Capcom PCB in service rather than replacing the cabinet with an emulation platform, reproduction board, or multigame system.
1943 installation requires a Z80 processor installed in a compatible 40-pin socket. No soldering is required when the Z80 processor location is already socketed.
1943 Hardware Compatibility and Upgrade Features
The 1943 kit is designed for original Capcom arcade hardware and adds modern reliability, score saving, menu settings, practice options, and optional leaderboard support while preserving the original 1943 gameplay, timing, controls, sound, and classic arcade behavior.
- Designed for compatible original Capcom 1943 arcade PCBs
- Free Play with optional coin operation support
- Displays the Top 5 scores during normal gameplay
- Stores up to Top 25 scores permanently
- Reliable serial EEPROM storage with no batteries or failure-prone NVRAM required
- Menu-driven settings for supported game options
- Multiple score tables based on selected difficulty
- Backup and Restore support for saved high score data
- God Mode practice option with unlimited lives
- Scores earned in God Mode are not saved
- Attract mode protection to help reduce monitor burn-in
- ROM Saver support for optional original program ROM removal
- Upright and cocktail cabinet support
- Optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support
View 1943 Free Play and High Score Save Kit
View/Download 1943 Install Guide (PDF)
Before ordering: confirm that your machine contains a documented compatible original Capcom 1943 arcade PCB and a socketed Z80 processor location. If the Z80 processor is soldered directly to the PCB, a qualified arcade technician must install a compatible 40-pin socket before the kit can be used.
1943 PCB Upgrade Details and Benefits
The HighScoreSaves 1943 Free Play and High Score Save Kit adds Free Play, permanent score saving, battery-free serial EEPROM storage, menu-driven settings, multiple score tables, Backup and Restore, God Mode, ROM Saver support, upright/cocktail cabinet support, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support to documented compatible original Capcom 1943 arcade hardware.
This upgrade is designed for original Capcom 1943 arcade PCBs. It keeps the original board in service rather than replacing the cabinet with an emulation system, reproduction PCB, or multigame platform.
Main 1943 Kit Features
- Permanent score saving: Displays the Top 5 scores during normal gameplay and stores up to 25 scores.
- Battery-free storage: Uses reliable serial EEPROM storage instead of batteries or failure-prone NVRAM.
- Free Play: Start 1943 without inserting coins.
- Traditional coin operation: Normal coin operation can remain available when desired.
- Menu-driven settings: Configure supported game options without opening the cabinet.
- Multiple score tables: Maintains separate score tables based on selected difficulty.
- Backup and Restore: Back up stored score data and restore it when needed.
- God Mode: Practice with unlimited lives. Scores earned in God Mode are not saved.
- Attract mode protection: Helps reduce monitor burn-in during attract mode.
- ROM Saver: Designated original program ROMs may be removed when installed as directed.
- Upright and cocktail support: Supports documented upright and cocktail 1943 cabinet configurations.
- Optional Wi-Fi: Add qualifying online leaderboard score submission while keeping local score saving.
Access the HighScoreSaves 1943 Settings Menu
To access the settings menu, hold Player 1 Start while turning the cabinet on. Release the button when the on-screen prompt tells you to continue.
Free Play, Score Saving, and Difficulty Tables
Free Play allows 1943 to start without inserting coins while retaining optional coin operation support when desired.
Supported score data is stored using serial EEPROM, so batteries or NVRAM are not required for saved scores. The kit displays the Top 5 scores during normal gameplay and stores up to 25 total scores.
Multiple score tables are supported based on the selected difficulty setting, helping keep saved scores organized across different gameplay configurations.
Capcom Hardware, ROM Saver, and Practice Features
1943 uses original Capcom arcade hardware, and this kit is intended for documented compatible original 1943 arcade PCBs.
ROM Saver support allows designated original program ROMs to be removed when the kit is installed as directed in the 1943 installation guide.
God Mode provides an unlimited-lives practice option for testing and gameplay practice. Scores earned while God Mode is active are not saved.
Backup and Restore, Cabinet Support, and Local Saving
Backup and Restore support allows stored score data to be backed up and restored later for service, events, parties, or tournament preparation.
Upright and cocktail cabinet configurations are supported when used with documented compatible original Capcom 1943 hardware.
Standard kits save supported scores and settings locally to the installed arcade PCB. Wi-Fi is optional and is not required for normal gameplay or local score saving.
Installation and PCB Requirements
- Designed for documented compatible original Capcom 1943 arcade PCBs.
- Access to the original arcade PCB is required during installation.
- This kit requires a socketed Z80 processor.
- The Z80 processor must be installed in a compatible 40-pin socket.
- No soldering is required when the Z80 processor location is already socketed.
- If the Z80 processor is soldered directly to the PCB, a qualified arcade technician must remove the processor and install a compatible 40-pin socket before the kit can be used.
- Remove only the designated original program ROMs identified in the 1943 installation guide when using ROM Saver features.
- Verify Pin 1 orientation, processor alignment, socket condition, board seating, ROM removal locations, and all processor pins before restoring cabinet power.
- Review the 1943 installation guide before installation.
Standard and Optional Wi-Fi Versions
The Standard Kit saves supported scores and settings locally to the PCB and does not require an internet connection for gameplay, Free Play, settings, ROM Saver operation, Backup and Restore, God Mode, or local score saving.
The optional Wi-Fi Enabled Kit includes the same local features and can submit qualifying scores to the HighScoreSaves online leaderboard after a player enters their initials.
Wi-Fi can be disabled without affecting 1943 gameplay, Free Play, local score saving, ROM Saver operation, cabinet settings, God Mode, or menu-driven options.
1943 Kit FAQ
Which arcade PCB does the HighScoreSaves 1943 kit support?
The kit is designed for documented compatible original Capcom 1943 arcade PCBs.
Which processor is required for the 1943 kit?
The 1943 kit requires a socketed Z80 processor installed in a compatible 40-pin socket.
How many high scores does the 1943 kit save?
The kit displays the Top 5 scores during normal gameplay and permanently stores up to 25 scores.
Does the 1943 kit support Free Play and coin operation?
Yes. Free Play and optional coin operation are both supported.
How is the HighScoreSaves 1943 settings menu opened?
Hold Player 1 Start while turning the cabinet on. Release the button when the on-screen prompt tells you to continue.
What does God Mode do on the 1943 kit?
God Mode provides unlimited lives for practice. Scores earned while God Mode is active are not saved.
Does the 1943 kit include Backup and Restore?
Yes. Backup and Restore support allows stored score data to be backed up and restored later.
Does the 1943 kit support upright and cocktail cabinets?
Yes. The 1943 kit supports documented upright and cocktail cabinet configurations using compatible original Capcom hardware.
Is Wi-Fi required for the HighScoreSaves 1943 kit?
No. Standard kits save supported scores locally. Wi-Fi is optional for online leaderboard support.