Mappy Arcade PCB Upgrade Overview for Original Namco Hardware
Review the available HighScoreSaves upgrade option for compatible original Namco Mappy arcade PCBs, including Free Play, Top 5 high score saving, installation requirements, hardware compatibility, serial EEPROM storage, full attract sounds, ROM Saver support, menu-driven settings, selectable character names, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support.
This category is intended for collectors, operators, and restoration projects using original Mappy arcade hardware. The upgrade keeps the original Namco PCB in service rather than replacing the cabinet with an emulation platform, reproduction board, or multicade system.
Mappy installation requires a 6809E processor installed in a compatible 40-pin socket. No soldering is required when the 6809E processor location is already socketed.
Mappy Hardware Compatibility and Upgrade Features
The Mappy kit is designed for original Namco arcade hardware and adds modern reliability, score saving, menu settings, and optional leaderboard support while preserving the original side-scrolling platform gameplay, timing, sound, controls, and cabinet behavior.
- Designed for compatible original Namco Mappy arcade PCBs
- Free Play with traditional Coin-Up operation retained
- Permanent Top 5 high score saving
- Reliable serial EEPROM storage with no batteries or failure-prone NVRAM required
- Attract sounds during every attract cycle
- Full attract sounds including dot munching audio from the attract gameplay screen
- Attract mode protection 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, 4, or 5 lives settings
- Backup and restore support for saved high scores
- Selectable character names: Goro or Meowky
- Upright and cocktail cabinet support
- Optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support
View Mappy Free Play and High Score Save Kit
Before ordering: confirm that your machine contains a documented compatible original Namco Mappy arcade PCB and a socketed 6809E processor location. If the 6809E processor is soldered directly to the PCB, a qualified arcade technician must install a compatible 40-pin socket before the kit can be used.
Mappy PCB Upgrade Details and Benefits
The HighScoreSaves Mappy Free Play and High Score Save Kit adds Free Play, Top 5 high score saving, serial EEPROM storage, full attract sounds, menu-driven DIP settings, ROM Saver support, separate lives-based score tables, backup and restore, selectable character names, upright/cocktail support, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support to documented compatible original Namco arcade hardware.
This upgrade is designed for original Namco Mappy arcade PCBs. It keeps the original board in service rather than replacing the cabinet with an emulation system, reproduction PCB, or multicade platform.
Main Mappy Kit Features
- Top 5 score saving: Stores the Top 5 supported high scores permanently.
- Battery-free storage: Uses reliable serial EEPROM storage instead of failure-prone NVRAM or batteries.
- Free Play: Start Mappy without inserting coins.
- Traditional Coin-Up operation: Coin operation can remain enabled when desired.
- Attract sounds: Plays sounds during every attract cycle.
- Full attract sounds: Includes the dot munching sound from the attract gameplay screen.
- Attract mode protection: Minimizes static screens to help reduce CRT burn-in.
- Menu-driven DIP settings: Adjust supported DIP options from the on-screen menu.
- ROM Saver: Original program ROMs may be removed when installed as directed.
- Separate score tables: Independent score tables for 2, 3, 4, or 5 lives settings.
- Backup and restore: Save and reload high scores when needed.
- Selectable character names: Choose between Goro or Meowky.
- 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 Mappy 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, Full Attract Sounds, and Permanent High Scores
Free Play allows Mappy to start without inserting coins while retaining traditional Coin-Up operation as an available setting.
Supported score data is stored using serial EEPROM, so batteries or NVRAM are not required for saved scores. The kit stores the Top 5 supported high scores permanently.
Full attract sounds are supported, including the dot munching audio from the attract gameplay screen. This helps the cabinet feel more active during idle display cycles.
Namco Hardware, ROM Saver, and Score Tables
Mappy uses original Namco arcade hardware, and this kit is designed to preserve the original side-scrolling platform 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 Mappy installation guide.
Separate score tables are supported for 2, 3, 4, and 5 lives settings, helping keep saved scores organized across different gameplay configurations.
Backup and Restore, Character Names, and Cabinet Support
Backup and restore support allows saved scores to be preserved and reloaded when needed for service, maintenance, or event preparation.
The kit includes selectable character-name options, allowing the on-screen character name to be set to either Goro or Meowky.
Upright and cocktail cabinet configurations are supported when used with documented compatible original Namco Mappy hardware.
Installation and PCB Requirements
- Designed for documented compatible original Namco Mappy arcade PCBs.
- Access to the original arcade PCB is required during installation.
- This kit requires a 6809E processor.
- The 6809E processor must be installed in a compatible 40-pin socket.
- No soldering is required when the 6809E processor location is already socketed.
- If the 6809E 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 Mappy 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 Mappy 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, score tables, character-name options, 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 Mappy gameplay, Free Play, local score saving, ROM Saver operation, cabinet settings, or menu-driven options.
Mappy Kit FAQ
Which arcade PCB does the HighScoreSaves Mappy kit support?
The kit is designed for documented compatible original Namco Mappy arcade PCBs.
Which processor is required for the Mappy kit?
The Mappy kit requires a 6809E processor installed in a compatible socketed 40-pin processor location.
How many high scores does the Mappy kit save?
The kit stores the Top 5 supported high scores using serial EEPROM storage.
Does the Mappy kit support Free Play and Coin-Up operation?
Yes. Free Play and traditional Coin-Up operation are both supported.
Does the Mappy kit include full attract sounds?
Yes. The kit includes the full attract sound set, including dot munching audio from the attract gameplay screen.
How is the HighScoreSaves Mappy settings menu opened?
Hold Player 1 Start while turning the cabinet on. Release the button when the on-screen prompt tells you to continue.
Can the Mappy kit use different character names?
Yes. The selectable character-name option allows the game to use either Goro or Meowky.
Does the Mappy kit support upright and cocktail cabinets?
Yes. The Mappy kit supports documented upright and cocktail cabinet configurations.
Is Wi-Fi required for the HighScoreSaves Mappy kit?
No. Standard kits save supported scores locally. Wi-Fi is optional for online leaderboard support.