Centipede Free Play and High Score Save Kit for Original Atari Hardware
Upgrade a documented compatible original Atari Centipede arcade PCB with Free Play, permanent Top 10 score and initials saving, adjustable attract sounds, lives-specific score tables, menu-driven settings, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support.
The HighScoreSaves Centipede Kit operates with the original arcade PCB without replacing it with an emulation platform, reproduction board, or multicade system. Centipede remains the only selectable game.
HighScoreSaves Centipede Standard Kit
A focused upgrade for original Centipede gameplay with permanent score saving and modern operator features.
- Centipede on compatible original Atari arcade hardware
- Permanent Top 10 scores and player initials
- Separate score tables for two, three, four, and five lives
- Free Play with optional traditional coin operation
- Adjustable attract sounds at supported frequency settings
- Menu-driven game and operator settings through the settings menu
- Score backup, restore, and reset options
- Documented upright and cocktail cabinet support
- Optional 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi leaderboard support
Verify PCB Compatibility Before Ordering
- The kit is designed for documented compatible original Atari Centipede arcade PCBs.
- Access to the original arcade PCB is required during installation.
- The kit installs at the documented 40-pin 6502 processor location.
- The original 6502 is transferred to the daughterboard unless a compatible processor option is selected.
- No soldering is required when the 6502 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.
- Remove only the program ROMs identified in the Centipede installation guide.
- Verify Pin 1 orientation and inspect all processor pins before restoring cabinet power.
Centipede Kit Details and Benefits
The HighScoreSaves Centipede Free Play and High Score Save Kit adds permanent score and initials saving, Free Play, adjustable attract sounds, lives-specific score tables, and menu-driven settings to a documented compatible original Atari Centipede arcade PCB.
The daughterboard works with the original arcade hardware rather than replacing the game board with an emulation platform, reproduction PCB, or multicade system. Centipede remains the only selectable game.
Main Centipede Kit Features
- Permanent Top 10 score saving: Retains the ten highest supported scores after cabinet power is removed.
- Player initials: Stores qualifying initials with supported high scores.
- Free Play: Start Centipede without inserting coins.
- Traditional 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.
- Adjustable attract sounds: Select supported attract audio for 25%, 50%, or every attract rotation, or disable attract audio.
- Menu-driven settings: Configure supported game and operator options through the settings menu.
- Score backup and restore: Back up and restore supported high-score data through the settings menu.
- High-score reset: Clear supported saved scores when needed.
- Battery-free storage: Uses serial EEPROM storage for supported scores, initials, and settings.
- Soft reset: Restart the supported game without switching off cabinet power.
- Upright and cocktail support: Compatible with documented cabinet configurations.
Access the HighScoreSaves Centipede 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 and Permanent High Scores
Free Play allows Centipede to start without inserting coins while retaining normal coin operation as an available setting. The kit permanently stores the Top 10 supported scores and qualifying player initials locally.
Separate supported score tables are maintained for two-, three-, four-, and five-life configurations. This prevents scores achieved under different lives settings from being combined into one table.
High-score backup, restore, and reset functions are available through the supported settings menu. Scores and settings remain stored after cabinet power is removed.
Attract Sounds and Operator Settings
Supported attract sounds can be disabled or configured to play during 25%, 50%, or every attract rotation. The kit also rotates supported attract displays rather than continuously showing one static screen.
Supported game and operator settings can be changed through the settings menu instead of adjusting physical DIP switches. Changes are stored locally and remain active after the cabinet is powered off.
Installation and PCB Requirements
- Designed for documented compatible original Atari Centipede arcade PCBs.
- Access to the original arcade PCB is required during installation.
- The kit installs at the documented 40-pin 6502 processor location.
- The original 6502 is removed from the PCB and installed on the HighScoreSaves daughterboard unless a compatible processor option is selected.
- No soldering is required when the 6502 location already has a compatible 40-pin socket.
- If the processor is soldered directly to the PCB, a qualified arcade technician must install a compatible socket.
- Remove only the designated original program ROMs identified in the Centipede installation guide.
- Verify Pin 1 orientation and inspect every processor pin before restoring cabinet power.
Standard and Optional Wi-Fi Versions
The Standard Kit permanently stores supported scores, initials, settings, and configuration data locally. It does not require an internet connection.
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 Centipede gameplay, Free Play, attract sounds, local score saving, or settings-menu operation.
Centipede Kit FAQ
How many high scores does the Centipede kit save?The kit permanently stores the Top 10 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 settings menu opened?Hold Player 1 Start while turning the cabinet on. Release the button when the on-screen prompt tells you to continue.
Can attract sounds be adjusted?Yes. Supported attract audio can be disabled or set to play during 25%, 50%, or every attract rotation.
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 6502 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 Atari PCB?No. The HighScoreSaves daughterboard operates with a documented compatible original Atari Centipede arcade PCB.
Is Wi-Fi required?No. Standard kits save supported scores, initials, and settings locally. Wi-Fi is optional for online score submission.