Upgrade Your Centipede Arcade Experience
Download Centipede Install Guide (PDF)
Bring modern convenience to your original Centipede arcade hardware with our collection of Centipede 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 PCB changes required.
Centipede Free Play and High Score Save Kit
Customize Your Centipede 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 required. Permanent score saving: Serial EEPROM (not NVRAM or batteries). High Score Save: Saves the Top 10 scores. Attract sounds: 25%, 50%, or 100% rotation. Freeplay & Coin-Up: Supports both. Attract mode: Helps reduce screen burn. Menu-driven DIP settings: Change options on-screen. ROM Saver: Remove original program ROMs. Cabinet compatibility: Upright & Cocktail. Additional Features Backup & Restore: Save/restore high scores. Reset button: Soft restart when enabled. Separate score tables: 2/3/4/5 lives. Fast boot: Minimal initialization. Important Installation Notes Socketed 6502 required: Install a 40-pin socket if needed. Read the Centipede Free Play and High Score Save Kit Installation Guide / Manual (PDF) before setup. FAQ How many scores are saved? Saves the Top 10 scores. Does it support Freeplay & Coin-Up? Yes — Freeplay or coin-up. Change settings without opening cabinet? Yes — menu-driven DIP on-screen. Adjust attract sound frequency? Yes — set to 25%, 50% or 100% rotation. What is ROM Saver? Remove ROMs; program runs on kit. Reset button? Soft restart when enabled. Separate score tables? Supports 2, 3, 4, or 5 lives. Fast boot? Yes — minimal initialization. Where can I download the guide? Download the Centipede Setup Instructions / Installation Manual (PDF) Do I need a socketed CPU? Yes — requires a socketed 6502. Resources Centipede 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 Centipede Free Play and High Score Save Kit.
The Centipede Free Play and High Score Save Kit is designed for original arcade hardware and addresses common issues on aging boards, including lost high scores, reset reliability, 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 modes — Additional options for training and testing
Important Installation Notes
A socketed processor (such as 6502 or compatible) is required. If your board is not already socketed, install the appropriate socket before using this kit. Always review the installation guide prior to installation 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.