Kangaroo Arcade PCB Upgrade Overview for Original Sun Electronics Hardware
Review the available HighScoreSaves upgrade option for compatible original Sun Electronics Kangaroo arcade PCBs, including Free Play, Top 10 high score saving with initials, installation requirements, hardware compatibility, ROM Saver support, menu-driven settings, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support.
This category is intended for collectors, operators, and restoration projects using original Kangaroo arcade hardware. The upgrade keeps the original PCB in service rather than replacing the cabinet with an emulation platform, reproduction board, or multicade system.
Kangaroo installation requires a Z80 processor installed in a compatible 40-pin socket. No soldering is required when the Z80 location is already socketed.
Kangaroo Hardware Compatibility and Upgrade Features
The Kangaroo kit is designed for original Sun Electronics arcade hardware and adds modern reliability and operator convenience while preserving the original platform-style gameplay, controls, timing, and cabinet behavior.
- Designed for compatible original Sun Electronics Kangaroo arcade PCBs
- Free Play with traditional Coin-Up operation retained
- Permanent Top 10 high score saving with initials
- Reliable serial EEPROM storage with no batteries or NVRAM required
- Original manufacturer or HighScoreSaves logo selection
- Attract mode screen cycling to help reduce CRT monitor burn-in
- Menu-driven DIP and operator settings
- ROM Saver support for optional original program ROM removal
- Separate score tables for 2, 3, or 4 lives settings
- Backup and restore support for saved high scores
- Stealth Mode for a stock-style startup appearance
- Fast Boot with self-test access
- God Mode practice with score saving disabled
- Flip Screen support for upside-down cabinet installations
- Upright and cocktail cabinet support
- Optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support
View Kangaroo Free Play and High Score Save Kit
View Kangaroo Installation Guide
Before ordering: confirm that your machine contains a documented compatible original Kangaroo arcade PCB and a socketed Z80 processor location. If the Z80 processor is soldered directly to the PCB, a qualified arcade technician must install a compatible 40-pin socket before the kit can be used.
Kangaroo PCB Upgrade Details and Benefits
The HighScoreSaves Kangaroo Free Play and High Score Save Kit adds Free Play, Top 10 high score saving with initials, serial EEPROM storage, menu-driven DIP settings, ROM Saver support, attract mode protection, separate lives-based score tables, backup and restore, Stealth Mode, Fast Boot, God Mode practice, Flip Screen support, upright/cocktail support, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support to documented compatible original Sun Electronics arcade hardware.
This upgrade is designed for original Kangaroo arcade PCBs. It keeps the original board in service rather than replacing the cabinet with an emulation system, reproduction PCB, or multicade platform.
Main Kangaroo Kit Features
- Top 10 score saving: Stores the Top 10 supported scores with initials.
- Battery-free storage: Uses reliable serial EEPROM storage instead of NVRAM or batteries.
- Free Play: Play Kangaroo without inserting coins.
- Traditional Coin-Up operation: Coins remain supported when desired.
- Copyright options: Switch between original manufacturer and HighScoreSaves logos.
- Attract mode protection: Helps reduce CRT monitor burn-in through screen cycling.
- Menu-driven DIP settings: Change supported settings directly on screen.
- ROM Saver: Original program ROMs may be removed when installed as directed.
- Separate score tables: Independent score tables for 2, 3, and 4 lives settings.
- Backup and restore: Save and reload high scores when needed.
- Stealth Mode: Supports a stock-style startup appearance.
- Fast Boot: Self-test is available through the menu or with all DIP switches OFF.
- God Mode: Unlimited-lives practice mode is available with score saving disabled.
- Flip Screen: Rotate the display for upside-down cabinet installations.
- Upright and cocktail support: Supports documented upright and cocktail cabinet configurations.
- Optional Wi-Fi: Add online leaderboard score submission while keeping local score saving.
Access the HighScoreSaves Kangaroo 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, Initials, and Permanent High Scores
Free Play allows Kangaroo to start without inserting coins while retaining traditional Coin-Up operation as an available setting.
Supported score data is stored using serial EEPROM, so NVRAM or batteries are not required for saved scores. The kit stores the Top 10 supported scores with initials.
Separate score tables are supported for 2, 3, and 4 lives settings, helping keep score results organized across different gameplay configurations.
Sun Electronics Hardware, ROM Saver, and Cabinet Support
Kangaroo uses original Sun Electronics arcade hardware, and this kit is designed to preserve the original platform-style gameplay, controls, timing, sound, and cabinet behavior.
ROM Saver support allows designated original program ROMs to be removed when the kit is installed as directed in the Kangaroo installation guide.
Upright and cocktail cabinet support is included for documented compatible cabinet configurations.
Stealth Mode, Fast Boot, God Mode, and Flip Screen
Stealth Mode supports a more stock-style startup appearance for collectors who want the cabinet to look and behave closer to an original configuration during boot.
Fast Boot provides self-test access through the menu or with all DIP switches set to OFF.
God Mode provides unlimited-lives practice with score saving disabled. Flip Screen support allows the display to be rotated for upside-down cabinet installations.
Installation and PCB Requirements
- Designed for documented compatible original Sun Electronics Kangaroo arcade PCBs.
- Access to the original arcade PCB is required during installation.
- This kit requires a Z80 processor.
- The Z80 processor must be installed in a compatible 40-pin socket.
- No soldering is required when the Z80 location is already socketed.
- If the Z80 processor is soldered directly to the PCB, a qualified arcade technician must install a compatible 40-pin socket before the kit can be used.
- Remove only the designated original program ROMs identified in the Kangaroo installation guide when using ROM Saver features.
- Verify Pin 1 orientation, processor alignment, socket condition, board seating, and all processor pins before restoring cabinet power.
- Review the Kangaroo installation guide before installation.
Standard and Optional Wi-Fi Versions
The Standard Kit saves supported scores locally to the PCB and does not require an internet connection for gameplay, Free Play, settings, ROM Saver operation, Stealth Mode, Fast Boot, God Mode, Flip Screen, or local score saving.
The optional Wi-Fi Enabled Kit includes the same local features and adds online score syncing through the HighScoreSaves global leaderboard platform.
Wi-Fi can be disabled without affecting Kangaroo gameplay, Free Play, local score saving, ROM Saver operation, cabinet settings, or menu-driven options.
Kangaroo Kit FAQ
Which arcade PCB does the HighScoreSaves Kangaroo kit support?
The Kangaroo kit is designed for documented compatible original Sun Electronics Kangaroo arcade PCBs.
Which processor is required for the Kangaroo kit?
The Kangaroo kit requires a Z80 processor installed in a compatible socketed 40-pin processor location.
How many high scores does the Kangaroo kit save?
The kit stores the Top 10 supported scores with initials using serial EEPROM storage.
Does the Kangaroo kit support Free Play and Coin-Up operation?
Yes. Free Play and traditional Coin-Up operation are both supported.
How is the HighScoreSaves Kangaroo settings menu opened?
Hold Player 1 Start while turning the cabinet on. Release the button when the on-screen prompt tells you to continue.
What is God Mode on the Kangaroo kit?
God Mode provides unlimited-lives practice. Score saving is disabled while God Mode is being used.
What does Flip Screen do on the Kangaroo kit?
Flip Screen rotates the display for upside-down cabinet installations.
Does the Kangaroo kit support upright and cocktail cabinets?
Yes. The Kangaroo kit supports documented upright and cocktail cabinet configurations.
Is Wi-Fi required for the HighScoreSaves Kangaroo kit?
No. Standard kits save supported scores locally. Wi-Fi is optional for online leaderboard support.