Donkey Kong D2K Free Play and High Score Save Kits
HighScoreSaves specializes exclusively in Donkey Kong D2K 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 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
D2K Donkey Kong Multigame Free Play and High Score Save Kit
Braze D2K Free Play and High Score Save Kit — Features & Install 📄 Installation Guide (PDF) Overview A simple-to-install multigame high score save kit that permanently remembers the top 5 scores and initials for both Donkey Kong and Donkey Kong II – D2K Jumpman Returns. Includes deluxe Free Play, attract-mode sound, power-up self-test, and an on-screen settings menu. Installs in minutes and works on both 2-board and 4-board stacks. Ships with the latest 1.2a software. Main Features Switch between games: hold both player start buttons for ~5 seconds, then press Jump (Free Play mode only). Installs in minutes — no board modifications or special wiring required. Permanently saves the top 5 scores and initials for both games, even after power off. True Free Play — no coins required, no coin door access needed. Full attract mode while in Free Play. Selectable attract-mode sound. Power-up diagnostics automatically test your board each time the game powers up. On-screen settings menu for changing options or erasing scores. Note: This kit does not include the ladder cheat. Game List Donkey Kong Donkey Kong II — D2K Jumpman Returns Important Installation Notes Remove the Z80 chip from your DK CPU board, insert it into the daughter card, and plug the daughter card into the vacated Z80 socket. Ensure your Z80 is socketed. If it is soldered in, a socket must be installed. Read the Installation Guide before setup. FAQ How do I switch between Donkey Kong and Donkey Kong II? Hold both player start buttons for ~5 seconds, then press Jump. (Free Play mode only.) Are high scores and initials saved permanently? Yes, the top 5 scores and initials for both games are saved even after power off. Does this kit include the ladder cheat? No. This kit does not include the ladder cheat. What boards does this kit support? It works on both 2-board and 4-board Donkey Kong stacks. Where can I download the Installation Guide? D2K Installation Guide (PDF)
Donkey Kong | D2K | Pauline Edition Free Play and High Score Save Kit
Donkey Kong | D2K | Pauline Edition DK Free Play and High Score Save Kit Upgrade your original Donkey Kong arcade PCB with reliable free play, permanent high score saving, optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support, and expanded gameplay modes while preserving authentic gameplay and original arcade hardware. This enhanced Donkey Kong upgrade combines classic gameplay with D2K, Pauline Edition, advanced practice modes, attract sounds, score saving, and gameplay hacks — all running directly on authentic Nintendo arcade hardware with no emulation. Games Included: Donkey Kong • D2K • Pauline Edition Donkey Kong • Wild Barrel Edition Donkey Kong • Color Barrel Donkey Kong Original Arcade Hardware • No Emulation • No Gameplay Changes • Designed for Authentic Arcade PCBs View Installation Guide Expanded Gameplay Collection Includes Donkey Kong, D2K, Pauline Edition, Wild Barrel, and Color Barrel gameplay modes. Permanent High Scores Saves Top 5 scores with extended scoring support over 1 million points. Practice and Training Modes Practice advanced levels and slow gameplay for training sessions. Optional Wi-Fi Upload scores online to global arcade leaderboards. Upgrade Your Donkey Kong Arcade Experience Restore and enhance your original Donkey Kong arcade machine with a professionally designed Free Play and High Score Save Kit built specifically for authentic Nintendo arcade hardware. Unlike emulation or multicade systems, this kit preserves original gameplay timing, controls, sounds, and arcade hardware behavior while adding modern conveniences like score saving, attract sounds, menu-driven settings, practice modes, and advanced gameplay enhancements. D2K and Pauline Edition introduce new gameplay experiences while preserving the authentic feel of the original arcade hardware. Customize Your Donkey Kong | D2K | Pauline 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. Main Features Easy Installation: No soldering, board modifications, or special wiring required Permanent High Score Saving: Uses reliable serial EPROM technology instead of batteries or NVRAM High Score Save: Saves the Top 5 scores permanently Initial Entry: Supports 3 or 12 character initials Logo Options: Switch between manufacturer or HighScoreSaves logos Extended Scoring: Supports scores over 1,000,000 points Free Play: No coins or opening the coin door required Coin-Up Support: Supports standard coin operation Attract Sounds: Adjustable at 25%, 50%, or 100% attract rotation Attract Mode: Helps minimize monitor burn-in Menu-Driven DIP Settings: Adjust settings without opening the cabinet ROM Saver: Optionally remove original ROMs to reduce power usage Cabinet Compatibility: Supports Upright and Cocktail cabinets Backup and Restore: Save and restore score tables anytime Separate Score Tables: Independent tables for 2, 3, 4, or 5 lives Game Menu: Easy-select in-game menu system ROM Revision Choice: Select US or Japanese ROM revisions Practice Mode: Start at Level 4 gameplay stages Slow Down Practice Mode: Slow gameplay to half speed for practice Wild Barrel Hack: All barrels thrown are Type 2 barrels Color Barrel Hack: Learn and control barrel behavior patterns No Kill-Screen Hack: Continue gameplay indefinitely Included Games and Modes Donkey Kong Nintendo’s legendary arcade platformer featuring classic Jumpman gameplay and barrel action. D2K Expanded Donkey Kong challenge edition with new gameplay layouts and advanced difficulty progression. Pauline Edition Donkey Kong Enhanced Donkey Kong gameplay featuring Pauline graphics and alternate presentation. Wild Barrel Edition Gameplay variation where all barrels use Type 2 barrel behavior patterns. Color Barrel Edition Learn and manipulate barrel movement behavior using alternate gameplay mechanics. Important Installation Notes Socketed Z80 Required: Install a 40-pin socket if your Z80 processor is not already socketed DK Remix Compatibility: DK Remix cannot be stacked with this High Score Save kit Supported PCB Stacks: Compatible with original 2-board and 4-board PCB stacks only Pauline Graphics Requirement: Pauline Edition requires 5 EPROM changes on the video PCB Pauline graphics ROMs available here: Download Pauline Graphics ROMs Read the Donkey Kong | D2K | Pauline Edition DK Installation Guide (PDF) before installation Requires a socketed Z80 and a 2- or 4-board PCB stack. Pauline graphics require 5 EPROM changes. DK Remix is not compatible. Donkey Kong | D2K | Pauline FAQ How many scores are saved? The kit saves the Top 5 high scores and supports extended scoring over 1,000,000 points. Does it support Free Play and coin operation? Yes. Free Play and standard coin-up operation are both fully supported. Is this compatible with DK Remix? No. DK Remix cannot be stacked with this High Score Save and Free Play kit. Which PCB stacks are supported? Compatible with original 2-board and 4-board PCB stacks only. What is required for Pauline graphics? Pauline Edition requires 5 EPROMs on the video PCB to be changed. Does it support Practice Mode? Yes. Practice Mode includes advanced-level starting points and half-speed slowdown training support. Where can I download the Installation Guide? Donkey Kong | D2K | Pauline Edition DK Installation Guide (PDF) 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 All Global Arcade High Scores Designed and supported by HighScoreSaves for arcade collectors, restorers, and original hardware enthusiasts. Resources and Guides 1. Donkey Kong | D2K | Pauline Edition DK Installation Guide (PDF) 2. Pauline Graphics ROM Download 3. What’s a Wi-Fi Enabled Kit or Standard Kit? 4. HighScoreSaves YouTube Channel 5. HighScoreSaves Facebook Page 6. HighScoreSaves eBay Store
Donkey Kong Rearranged Multigame Free Play and High Score Save Kit
Donkey Kong Rearranged Multigame Free Play and High Score Save Kit Upgrade your original Donkey Kong or Donkey Kong Jr. arcade PCB with reliable free play, permanent high score saving, optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support, and expanded multigame functionality while preserving authentic gameplay and original arcade hardware. This is the newest Donkey Kong kit on the scene, featuring high-score saving, attract sounds, modern menu systems, Rearranged gameplay editions, unlockable game modes, and optional Remix Collection support—all running on authentic arcade hardware. Games Included: Donkey Kong • Pauline Donkey Kong • Donkey Kong Jr. • Donkey Kong 3 • D2K Jumpman Returns • Rearranged Edition • Practice Levels DK PCB Install Guide Original Arcade Hardware • No Emulation • No Gameplay Changes • Designed for Authentic Arcade PCBs DK Jr. PCB Install Guide Expanded Multigame Support Includes Donkey Kong, Donkey Kong Jr., Donkey Kong 3, D2K Jumpman Returns, Rearranged Editions, and unlockable content. Modern Menu System Hold Player 1 Start for four seconds to access the coolest modern game-selection menu. Permanent High Scores Saves the top five scores for each game, with support for extended scoring. Optional Wi-Fi Upload scores online to global arcade leaderboards. Upgrade Your Donkey Kong Arcade Experience Restore and enhance your original Donkey Kong arcade machine with a professionally designed multigame Free Play and High Score Save Kit built specifically for authentic Nintendo arcade hardware. Unlike emulation or multicade systems, this kit preserves original gameplay timing, controls, sounds, and arcade hardware behavior while adding modern conveniences like score saving, attract sounds, modern game menus, practice modes, and unlockable gameplay editions. Install on either a Donkey Kong or Donkey Kong Jr. PCB (selected during purchase) and instantly access multiple classic and enhanced Donkey Kong experiences directly from your original hardware. Hardware Compatibility Compatible PCBs: Donkey Kong and Donkey Kong Jr. boardsets only Board Stack Requirement: Supports original 2-board stack hardware only Processor Included: Main daughter card includes a Z80 processor installed No DK3 PCB Support: Does not install on standalone DK3 hardware Customize Your Donkey Kong Rearranged Kit Build your kit exactly how you want it. Choose your PCB type, select a Wi-Fi Enabled Kit or Standard Save Kit, and optionally add the 4-game Remix Collection. You can also add a processor and/or a 40-pin socket—optional but recommended for easy installation. Main Features No Soldering Required: Plug in and go installation Modern Menu System: Hold P1 for 4 seconds to instantly access game selection High Score Save: Saves the Top 5 scores per game Extended Scoring: Supports scoring beyond 1 million points Free Play: Start games without coins or opening the coin door Coin-Up Support: Standard coin and token operation supported Attract Sounds: Adjustable at 25%, 50%, or 100% attract cycles DIP Settings in Menu: Change settings directly on-screen Screen Saver: Helps reduce monitor burn-in ROM Saver: Reduce heat and power usage by removing ROMs Practice Mode: Train on specific gameplay sections and levels Sound Expansion Module: Enhanced arcade audio support Kill-Screen Toggle: Enable or disable kill-screen behavior Rearranged Edition: Intertwined level layouts and mixed gameplay progression Unlockable Editions: Hidden gameplay modes and special challenge variations Included Games and Unlockables Included Games Donkey Kong, Pauline Donkey Kong, Donkey Kong Jr., Donkey Kong 3, D2K Jumpman Returns, Pauline D2K Jumpman Returns, Japanese ROM versions, Practice Levels, and the Rearranged Edition. Optional Remix Collection Adds Donkey Kong Remix, Donkey Kong Jr. Remix, Donkey Kong Christmas Remix, and Donkey Kong Spooky Remix. Unlockable Editions Includes Drunken Master Edition, Black Hammer Edition, Wild Barrel Edition, Miner 2049er Edition, Builders Edition, FHMC Edition, and Personal Edition. These "unlocks" are hidden within Rearranged! Important Installation Notes Socketed Z80 Required: Your PCB must use a socketed Z80 processor Z80 Included: The main daughter card includes a Z80 processor pre-installed Compatible Hardware: Works only on Donkey Kong and Donkey Kong Jr. boardsets 2-Board Stack Only: Not compatible with original 4-board DK hardware Read the correct installation guide based on your PCB type before installation Donkey Kong Rearranged FAQ Do I need to send in my PCB? No. Most installations take approximately 15 minutes and can be completed yourself. Does the multigame sound correct? Yes. Multiple audio profiles and sound expansion support are included. Does this work on DK and DK Jr PCBs? Yes. Select the correct PCB version during purchase. Does it support original 4-board DK hardware? No. Only original 2-board stack hardware is supported. What is Rearranged Edition? Rearranged Edition combines and intertwines game-level layouts into a unique mixed gameplay experience. What is the Remix Collection? The optional Remix Collection adds four additional Donkey Kong Remix game variations. How do I access the Modern Menu? Hold the Player 1 button for 4 seconds during gameplay. Where can I download the Installation Guides? Use the DK PCB or DK Jr PCB installation guide links above based on your hardware. 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 All Global Arcade High Scores Designed and supported by HighScoreSaves for arcade collectors, restorers, and original hardware enthusiasts. Resources and Guides 1. 3DK Install Guide (Donkey Kong PCB) 2. 3DKJr Install Guide (Donkey Kong Jr PCB) 3. Donkey Kong Rearranged Video Overview 4. What’s a Wi-Fi Enabled Kit or Standard Kit? 5. HighScoreSaves YouTube Channel 6. HighScoreSaves Facebook Page 7. HighScoreSaves eBay Store
More on Donkey Kong D2K Arcade Hardware
Donkey Kong D2K arcade hardware is a derivative configuration based on original Nintendo Donkey Kong PCB designs with specific wiring and button/layout differences. While it shares the core Donkey Kong architecture, the free play and high score save kit layout for D2K boards is unique. When selecting a solution, always verify your exact PCB revision and connector layout for compatibility.
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These related platforms share hardware lineage or gameplay heritage with Donkey Kong D2K and may require kits tailored to their specific PCB configurations. Always verify compatibility on the product page before purchase.