Upgrade Your Carnival Arcade Experience
Download Carnival Install Guide (PDF)
Bring modern convenience to your original Carnival arcade hardware with our collection of Carnival Free Play and High Score Save Kits. These plug-and-play upgrades add reliable high score saving, Free Play functionality, and an on-screen settings menu—no cabinet disassembly or board changes required.
Carnival Free Play and High Score Save Kit
Customize Your Carnival Free Play and High Score Save Kit Build your kit exactly how you want it. Choose a Wi-Fi Enabled Kit or a Standard Save Kit. You can also add a processor and/or a 40-pin socket—optional but recommended for easy installation. Learn More About This Kit Click a button to view details, tips, or the installation guide. Main Features Easy install: No soldering, board modifications, or special wiring—plug in and go. Permanent score saving: Serial EEPROM (not NVRAM or batteries). High Score Save: Displays the Top 3 and stores up to 30 scores. Real attract sounds: Gameplay sound effects included. Attract sound frequency: 25%, 50%, or 100% rotation. Freeplay & Coin-Up: Supports both. Attract mode: Helps reduce screen burn. Menu-driven settings: DIP options set on-screen. ROM Saver: Remove original program ROMs if desired. Cabinet compatibility: Works in Upright and Cocktail cabinets. Additional Features Backup & Restore: Save and load high scores—perfect for parties. Important Installation Notes Socketed Z80 required: Install a 40-pin socket if the CPU is soldered. Read the Carnival Free Play and High Score Save Kit Installation Guide / Manual (PDF) before setup. FAQ How many scores are saved? Displays the Top 3, stores up to 30 scores. Does it support Freeplay and coin operation? Yes — Freeplay or Coin-Up. What are real attract sounds? Plays gameplay sound effects, not just music. Can I change settings without opening the cabinet? Yes — menu-driven DIP settings. What is ROM Saver? Allows removal of original program ROMs — program runs on the kit. Where can I download the Installation Guide? Download the Carnival Free Play & High Score Save Kit Installation Manual (PDF) Do I need a socketed CPU? Yes — requires a socketed Z80. Resources Carnival Free Play and High Score Save Kit — Installation Guide (PDF) HighScoreSaves YouTube Channel — Installation Tips HighScoreSaves Facebook Page HighScoreSaves eBay Store
Details and Benefits
Looking for more technical details before purchasing? The information below outlines the full capabilities and installation requirements of the Carnival Free Play and High Score Save Kit.
The Carnival Free Play and High Score Save Kit is designed for original arcade hardware and addresses common issues on aging boards, such as lost high scores, reset reliability issues, and limited configuration options. This upgrade delivers modern stability and quality-of-life improvements while preserving the original gameplay experience.
What This Kit Adds
- Free Play with flexibility — Enable coin-free operation while still supporting traditional coin play
- Reliable score retention — High scores are stored permanently using non-volatile memory
- On-screen control menu — Adjust game options without opening the cabinet
- Monitor-friendly attract behavior — Helps reduce burn-in on CRT displays
- Cabinet compatibility — Supports Upright arcade cabinets
Advanced Features
- Backup and restore — Save and reload high score data as needed
- Separate score tables — Independent high score tables based on configuration settings
- Practice mode support — Additional options for training and testing
Important Installation Notes
A socketed Z80 CPU is required. If your board is not already socketed, install a 40-pin socket before using this kit. Always review the installation guide prior to starting to ensure proper setup and reliable operation.
Optional Wi-Fi enabled versions allow scores to be uploaded online and synced to your personal player page in addition to local high score saving on the PCB.