Donkey Kong 3 Free Play and High Score Save Kits
HighScoreSaves specializes exclusively in Donkey Kong 3 Free Play and High Score Save Kits designed for original arcade hardware. These kits add modern reliability to classic arcade games by enabling free play operation and permanent high score retention—without emulation, gameplay changes, or permanent modification.
View Installation Guides (PDF)
This category serves as the central hub for all supported arcade platforms, including the complete Donkey Kong 3 hardware family, related multigame variants, and compatible derivative systems. Each sub-category below focuses on a specific game or hardware lineage, ensuring correct compatibility with original arcade PCBs.
All kits are engineered to preserve the authentic behavior of original arcade games while eliminating common reliability issues such as score loss, battery failure, and coin-only operation.
Donkey Kong Arcade Hardware Coverage
Donkey Kong | Donkey Kong Jr | Donkey Kong 3 | Donkey Kong Rearranged (3DK Multigame) | Donkey Kong Rearranged (3DKJr Multigame) | Donkey Kong D2K | Donkey Kong Remix | Donkey Kong Jr Remix | Crazy Kong | Crazy Kong Remix
Braze Donkey Kong 3 Free Play and High Score Save Kit
Braze Donkey Kong 3 High Score Save Kit — Features & Install 📄 Installation Guide (PDF) Overview A simple-to-install high score save kit for Donkey Kong 3 that permanently remembers the top 5 scores and initials, and also saves your current Free Play setting. No batteries are required. Installs in minutes—no special wiring or soldering. Installation Summary Power down the cabinet and access the CPU board. Carefully remove the Z80 CPU from the Donkey Kong 3 CPU board. Insert the Z80 into the included daughter card. Plug the daughter card into the vacated Z80 socket on the CPU board. Power on and follow the install guide to verify operation. Key Features Installs in minutes: no board modifications or special wiring. Top 5 High Score Save: remembers scores and initials permanently (no batteries). Free Play saved: preserves your Free Play setting; toggle via standard DK3 test mode. Easy reset: clear the table in test mode by resetting the bookkeeping distributions. FAQ Where can I download the install guide? Donkey Kong 3 Install Guide (PDF) Do I need to solder anything? No. Installation requires no soldering or special wiring. How do I reset the high scores? Enter Donkey Kong 3 test mode and clear the “bookkeeping distributions” to restore the default table. Is Free Play saved? Yes. The kit saves your current Free Play setting; toggle it in standard DK3 test mode. Which CPU does this kit use? The kit interfaces with the Z80 CPU—remove the existing Z80, place it in the daughter card, then plug the card into the Z80 socket.
Donkey Kong 3 Free Play and High Score Save Kit
Donkey Kong 3 Free Play and High Score Save Kit for Nintendo Arcade PCB Upgrade your original Donkey Kong 3 arcade PCB with reliable free play, high score saving, attract sound enhancements, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support while preserving authentic gameplay and original arcade hardware. Designed specifically for original Nintendo hardware, this plug and play upgrade improves long-term reliability without changing gameplay timing, controls, or the classic arcade experience collectors expect. Original Arcade Hardware • No Emulation • No Gameplay Changes • Designed for Authentic Arcade PCBs View Install Guide Free Play Play without coins while retaining optional coin operation. High Score Saving Stores the Top 5 scores using reliable EEPROM storage. Menu Driven Settings Configure settings directly from the on-screen menu system. Optional Wi-Fi Upload scores online to global arcade leaderboards. Upgrade Your Donkey Kong 3 Arcade Experience Restore and enhance your original Donkey Kong 3 arcade machine with a professionally designed Free Play and High Score Save Kit built specifically for authentic Nintendo arcade hardware. Original boards often lose high scores, rely on aging components, or suffer from unstable resets. This upgrade modernizes your PCB while preserving the original gameplay, controls, timing, and arcade feel that made Donkey Kong 3 one of Nintendo’s most unique arcade sequels. Unlike multigame systems or reproduction boards, this kit keeps your original arcade PCB intact while improving long-term reliability for collectors, operators, and restoration projects. Important Installation Notes Socketed Z80 required: Install a 40-pin socket if your CPU is not socketed Read the Donkey Kong 3 Installation Guide before setup Included Features Easy Installation: No soldering, board modifications, or special wiring required Permanent Score Saving: Reliable serial EEPROM storage instead of batteries or NVRAM High Score Save: Stores the Top 5 scores No Service Switch Needed: Uses an on-screen menu system (Braze requires service/test switch) Logo Options: Switch between manufacturer or HighScoreSaves logos Freeplay Mode: No more coins or opening the coin door Coin-Up Support: Continue using quarters or tokens Attract Sounds: Adjustable at 25%, 50%, or 100% Attract Mode Protection: Helps minimize screen burn On-Screen DIP Settings: Fully menu-driven configuration system ROM Saver: Optionally remove original program ROMs Cabinet Compatibility: Works in Upright and Cocktail cabinets Backup and Restore: Save and restore your high scores anytime Separate Score Tables: Supports 2, 3, 4, or 5 lives settings Installation Information Installation Difficulty: Easy Soldering Required: No, if CPU is socketed Processor Requirement: Requires a Z80 processor Socketed CPU Required: Install a 40-pin socket if needed Cabinet Compatibility: Upright and Cocktail supported Installation Guide: Download PDF Installation Guide Optional Wi-Fi Features and Online Leaderboards Learn About Wi-Fi Enabled Kits Upgrade to a Wi-Fi Enabled Kit to upload scores online and compete against players around the world, locally within your arcade, or across your own connected cabinet network. Standard kits save scores locally to the PCB, while Wi-Fi kits add automatic online score syncing through the HighScoreSaves global leaderboard platform. View Global Arcade High Scores Donkey Kong 3 Free Play and High Score Save Kit FAQ Which game does this kit support? This kit is specifically designed for Donkey Kong 3 arcade hardware. How many scores are saved? The kit stores the Top 5 high scores. Does it support Freeplay and coin operation? Yes. Use Freeplay or standard Coin-Up operation. Can I adjust settings without opening the cabinet? Yes. All settings are controlled through the on-screen menu system. Is a service switch required? No. A service switch is not required for menu access. Which processor is required? A socketed Z80 processor is required. Where can I download the Installation Guide? Download the Donkey Kong 3 Installation Guide PDF Designed and supported by HighScoreSaves for arcade collectors, restorers, and original hardware enthusiasts. Resources 1. Donkey Kong 3 Installation Guide PDF 2. Setup Tips and Configuration Guide 3. HighScoreSaves YouTube Channel 4. HighScoreSaves Facebook Page 5. HighScoreSaves eBay Store
More on Donkey Kong 3 Arcade Hardware
Donkey Kong 3 arcade hardware is based on original Nintendo PCB designs for the 3 series. While part of the broader Donkey Kong hardware family, specific free play and high score save kit layouts differ based on board revision and connector configuration. When choosing a solution, always verify your exact PCB revision and connector layout before install.
Explore Related Platforms
These related platforms share hardware lineage or gameplay heritage with Donkey Kong 3 and may require kits tailored to their specific PCB configurations. Always verify compatibility on the product page before purchase.