Dig Dug Arcade PCB Upgrade Overview for Original Namco and Atari Hardware
Review the available HighScoreSaves upgrade option for compatible original Namco and Atari Dig Dug arcade PCBs, including Free Play, permanent high score saving, installation requirements, hardware compatibility, serial EEPROM storage, attract mode protection, on-screen DIP settings, ROM Saver support, Backup and Restore, separate score tables, upright/cocktail cabinet support, Z80 processor requirements, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support.
This category is intended for collectors, operators, and restoration projects using original Dig Dug arcade hardware. The upgrade keeps the original arcade PCB in service rather than replacing the cabinet with an emulation platform, reproduction board, or generic multicade system.
Dig Dug installation requires a Z80 processor and a compatible socketed CPU location. No soldering is required when the Z80 CPU is already installed in a compatible 40-pin socket. If the Z80 is not socketed, a compatible 40-pin socket must be installed before the kit can be used.
Dig Dug Hardware Compatibility and Upgrade Features
The Dig Dug kit is designed for compatible original arcade hardware and adds modern reliability, score saving, attract behavior, on-screen settings, service features, and optional leaderboard support while preserving the original Dig Dug gameplay, timing, sound, controls, and classic underground arcade experience.
- Designed for compatible original Namco and Atari Dig Dug arcade PCBs
- Namco Z80 daughter-card arcade PCB installation
- Free Play with traditional Coin-Up operation support
- Saves the Top 5 scores permanently
- Reliable serial EEPROM storage with no batteries or NVRAM required
- Attract mode protection with rotating attract behavior
- On-screen DIP settings for supported game options
- Backup and Restore support for saved high score data
- Separate score tables for 2, 3, 4, or 5 lives
- ROM Saver support for optional original program ROM removal
- Requires a Z80 processor and compatible 40-pin socketed CPU location
- Upright and cocktail cabinet support
- Optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support
View Dig Dug Free Play and High Score Save Kit
View/Download Dig Dug Install Guide (PDF)
Before ordering: confirm that your machine contains a documented compatible original Namco or Atari Dig Dug arcade PCB and the required socketed Z80 CPU location. If the Z80 CPU is soldered directly to the PCB, a qualified arcade technician must install a compatible 40-pin socket before the kit can be used.
Free Play note: in Free Play mode, the Player 1 and Player 2 start lights do not flash when starting a game. This is documented normal operation for this kit.
Dig Dug PCB Upgrade Details and Benefits
The HighScoreSaves Dig Dug Free Play and High Score Save Kit adds permanent Top 5 score and initials saving, Free Play, lives-specific score tables, menu-driven settings, score backup and restore, high-score reset, serial EEPROM storage, upright/cocktail support, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support to documented compatible original Namco or Atari Dig Dug arcade hardware.
This upgrade is designed for original Namco and Atari Dig Dug arcade PCBs. It keeps the original board in service rather than replacing the cabinet with an emulation system, reproduction PCB, or generic multicade platform. Dig Dug remains the only selectable game.
Main Dig Dug Kit Features
- Permanent score saving: Saves the Top 5 supported scores.
- Player initials: Stores qualifying initials with supported high scores.
- Battery-free storage: Uses reliable serial EEPROM storage for supported scores, initials, settings, and configuration data.
- Free Play: Start Dig Dug without inserting coins.
- Traditional Coin-Up operation: Continue accepting quarters or tokens when Free Play is disabled.
- Lives-specific score tables: Maintains separate supported score tables for two-, three-, four-, and five-life configurations.
- Menu-driven settings: Configure supported gameplay and operator options through the on-screen menu.
- Score backup and restore: Back up and restore supported high-score data through the kit menu.
- High-score reset: Clear supported saved scores when needed.
- Rotating attract displays: Helps reduce static-screen display time during attract mode.
- Original controls preserved: Uses the original joystick, pump button, start buttons, display hardware, and sound hardware.
- Z80 daughterboard installation: Installs at the documented 40-pin Z80 processor location.
- Upright and cocktail support: Supports documented cabinet configurations.
- Optional Wi-Fi: Adds supported online score submission while retaining local score saving.
Access the HighScoreSaves Dig Dug Menu
During attract mode, hold Player 1 Start for approximately four seconds to open the supported game and settings menu.
Free Play, Coin-Up, and Top 5 Score Saving
Free Play allows Dig Dug to start without inserting coins while retaining traditional Coin-Up operation as an available setting.
The kit permanently stores the Top 5 supported scores and qualifying player initials locally. Scores, initials, settings, and configuration data remain stored after cabinet power is removed.
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 shared table.
Normal Free Play Start-Light Behavior
When Free Play is enabled, the Player 1 and Player 2 Start button lights do not flash. This is normal operation and does not indicate a problem with the cabinet or kit.
Dig Dug Controls and Operator Settings
The original joystick, pump button, start buttons, display hardware, and sound hardware remain in use. The kit does not alter Dig Dug gameplay, timing, controls, graphics, or sound.
Supported gameplay and operator settings can be changed through the on-screen menu instead of adjusting physical DIP switches. Changes are stored locally and remain active after the cabinet is powered off.
Score backup, restore, and reset functions are available through the supported menu for service work, events, parties, route use, or tournament preparation.
Installation and PCB Requirements
- Designed for documented compatible original Namco and Atari Dig Dug arcade PCBs.
- Access to the original arcade PCB is required during installation.
- The kit installs at the documented 40-pin Z80 processor location.
- The original Z80 is removed from the PCB and installed on the HighScoreSaves daughterboard unless a compatible processor option is selected.
- No soldering is required when the Z80 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 Dig Dug installation guide.
- Verify Pin 1 orientation, processor alignment, socket condition, daughterboard seating, ROM removal locations, and every processor pin before restoring cabinet power.
- Review the Dig Dug installation guide before installation.
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 for gameplay, Free Play, lives-specific score tables, local score saving, or menu operation.
The optional Wi-Fi Enabled 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 Dig Dug gameplay, Free Play, lives-specific score tables, local score saving, or menu operation.
Dig Dug Kit FAQ
Which arcade PCB does the HighScoreSaves Dig Dug kit support?
The kit is designed for documented compatible original Namco and Atari Dig Dug arcade PCBs.
How many high scores does the Dig Dug kit save?
The kit permanently stores the Top 5 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 Dig Dug menu opened?
Hold Player 1 Start for approximately four seconds during attract mode.
Why do the start-button lights not flash in Free Play?
The Player 1 and Player 2 Start lights do not flash while Free Play is enabled. This is normal operation.
Does the kit support both 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 Z80 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 Dig Dug PCB?
No. The HighScoreSaves daughterboard operates with a documented compatible original Namco or Atari Dig Dug arcade PCB.
Is Wi-Fi required?
No. Standard kits save supported scores, initials, and settings locally. Wi-Fi is optional for online score submission.