Karate Champ Player vs Player Arcade PCB Upgrade Overview for Original Data East Hardware
Review the available HighScoreSaves upgrade option for compatible original Data East Karate Champ Player vs Player arcade PCBs, including Free Play, permanent score saving, initials, installation requirements, hardware compatibility, ROM Saver support, Version 1 and Version 2 selection, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support.
This category is intended for collectors, operators, and restoration projects using original Karate Champ Player vs Player arcade hardware. The upgrade keeps the original PCB in service rather than replacing the cabinet with an emulation platform, reproduction board, or multicade system.
Karate Champ Player vs Player installation requires a Z80 processor installed in a compatible 40-pin socket. No soldering is required when the Z80 location is already socketed.
Karate Champ Player vs Player Hardware Compatibility and Upgrade Features
The Karate Champ Player vs Player kit is designed for original Data East arcade hardware and adds modern reliability, score saving, and operator convenience while preserving the original competitive fighting gameplay, controls, timing, sound, and cabinet behavior.
- Designed for compatible original Data East Karate Champ Player vs Player arcade PCBs
- Free Play with traditional Coin-Up operation retained
- Permanent saving for all scores shown on screen
- Initial entry and permanent initial saving
- Reliable serial EEPROM storage with no batteries or failure-prone NVRAM required
- Original manufacturer or HighScoreSaves logo selection
- Attract mode protection with no static screens
- Menu-driven DIP and operator settings
- Version 1 and Version 2 selection using DIP1
- ROM Saver support for optional D6, D7, D8, D10, D11, and D13 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
- Upright and cocktail cabinet support
- Optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support
View Karate Champ Player vs Player Free Play and High Score Save Kit
View Karate Champ Player vs Player Installation Guide
Before ordering: confirm that your machine contains a documented compatible original Data East Karate Champ Player vs Player 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.
Karate Champ Player vs Player PCB Upgrade Details and Benefits
The HighScoreSaves Karate Champ Player vs Player Free Play and High Score Save Kit adds Free Play, permanent saving for all scores shown on screen, initials, serial EEPROM storage, menu-driven DIP settings, ROM Saver support, Version 1 and Version 2 selection, separate lives-based score tables, backup and restore, Stealth Mode, upright/cocktail support, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support to documented compatible original Data East arcade hardware.
This upgrade is designed for original Data East Karate Champ Player vs Player arcade PCBs. It keeps the original board in service rather than replacing the cabinet with an emulation system, reproduction PCB, or multicade platform.
Main Karate Champ Player vs Player Kit Features
- Permanent score saving: Saves all scores shown on screen.
- Initial entry: Players can enter and permanently save initials.
- Battery-free storage: Uses reliable serial EEPROM storage instead of batteries or failure-prone NVRAM.
- Free Play: Start Karate Champ Player vs Player without inserting coins.
- Traditional Coin-Up operation: Coin operation remains fully supported.
- Version selection: Select Version 1 or Version 2 using DIP1.
- Copyright options: Switch between original manufacturer and HighScoreSaves logos.
- Attract mode protection: Helps reduce CRT monitor burn-in with no static screens.
- Menu-driven DIP settings: Change supported settings directly on screen.
- ROM Saver: D6, D7, D8, D10, D11, and D13 program ROMs may optionally be removed.
- Separate score tables: Independent score tables for 2, 3, or 4 lives settings.
- Backup and restore: Back up saved scores and restore them later.
- Stealth Mode: Supports a stock-style startup appearance.
- Upright and cocktail support: Supports documented upright and cocktail cabinet configurations.
- Optional Wi-Fi: Add online leaderboard score submission while keeping local score saving.
Version Selection Using DIP1
- DIP1 = ON: Version 1
- DIP1 = OFF: Version 2
Access the HighScoreSaves Karate Champ 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 Score Saving
Free Play allows Karate Champ Player vs Player to start without inserting coins while retaining traditional Coin-Up operation as an available setting.
The kit saves all scores shown on screen and supports permanent initial entry. Supported score data is stored using serial EEPROM, so batteries or failure-prone NVRAM are not required for saved scores.
Separate score tables are supported for 2, 3, and 4 lives settings, helping keep score results organized across different gameplay configurations.
Data East Hardware, ROM Saver, and Cabinet Support
Karate Champ Player vs Player uses original Data East arcade hardware, and this kit is designed to preserve the original competitive fighting gameplay, controls, timing, sound, and cabinet behavior.
ROM Saver support allows D6, D7, D8, D10, D11, and D13 program ROMs to be removed when the kit is installed as directed in the Karate Champ installation guide.
Upright and cocktail cabinet support is included for documented compatible cabinet configurations.
Backup, Restore, Version Selection, and Stealth Mode
Backup and restore support allows saved scores to be preserved and reloaded when needed for service, events, or maintenance.
Version 1 and Version 2 selection is handled through DIP1, allowing the cabinet to be configured for the supported Karate Champ Player vs Player version.
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.
Installation and PCB Requirements
- Designed for documented compatible original Data East Karate Champ Player vs Player 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.
- D6, D7, D8, D10, D11, and D13 program ROMs may optionally be removed 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 Karate Champ Player vs Player 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, Version 1/Version 2 selection, Stealth Mode, 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 Karate Champ Player vs Player gameplay, Free Play, local score saving, ROM Saver operation, cabinet settings, or menu-driven options.
Karate Champ Player vs Player Kit FAQ
Which arcade PCB does the HighScoreSaves Karate Champ Player vs Player kit support?
The kit is designed for documented compatible original Data East Karate Champ Player vs Player arcade PCBs.
Which processor is required for the Karate Champ Player vs Player kit?
The kit requires a Z80 processor installed in a compatible socketed 40-pin processor location.
Which scores are saved by the Karate Champ Player vs Player kit?
All scores shown on screen are permanently saved, and player initials are supported.
Does the Karate Champ Player vs Player kit support Free Play and Coin-Up operation?
Yes. Free Play and traditional Coin-Up operation are both supported.
How do I select Version 1 or Version 2?
Set DIP1 to ON for Version 1 or set DIP1 to OFF for Version 2.
What does ROM Saver remove on the Karate Champ Player vs Player kit?
ROM Saver allows optional removal of D6, D7, D8, D10, D11, and D13 program ROMs when installed as directed.
How is the HighScoreSaves Karate Champ settings menu opened?
Hold Player 1 Start while turning the cabinet on. Release the button when the on-screen prompt tells you to continue.
Does the Karate Champ Player vs Player kit support upright and cocktail cabinets?
Yes. The kit supports documented upright and cocktail cabinet configurations.
Is Wi-Fi required for the HighScoreSaves Karate Champ Player vs Player kit?
No. Standard kits save supported scores locally. Wi-Fi is optional for online leaderboard support.