Mario Bros. High Score Save Kit Compatibility & Comparison
Compare two Free Play and high score save kit options for documented compatible original Nintendo Mario Bros. arcade hardware. Both kits retain the original Nintendo PCB and Z80 processor while adding permanent battery-free Top 5 score and player-initial storage.
Choose the HighScoreSaves Mario Bros. high score save kit for expanded settings and optional Wi-Fi features, or the Braze Mario Bros. kit for a more focused Free Play and permanent score-saving upgrade.
Compare Mario Bros. Free Play and High Score Save Kits
Both Mario Bros. kits add Free Play and permanent battery-free storage of the Top 5 scores and player initials to documented compatible original Nintendo Mario Bros. arcade hardware.
The primary differences are attract-sound support, menu-driven settings, separate score tables, backup and restore, Reset and Self-Test access, ROM Saver, optional Wi-Fi support, and how each kit manages Free Play settings.
| Feature | HighScoreSaves Mario Bros. Kit | Braze Mario Bros. Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | HighScoreSaves | Braze Technologies |
| Free Play | Yes, with normal coin operation retained | Yes, selected through the original test mode |
| Saved Free Play Setting | Stored with the kit settings | Yes, remembered after power-off |
| Permanent Score Saving | Top 5 scores and player initials | Top 5 scores and player initials |
| Battery Required | No | No |
| Attract Sounds | Selectable on or off | Not listed as a kit feature |
| Menu-Driven Settings | Yes | Uses the original Mario Bros. test mode |
| Separate Score Tables | Separate tables for supported two-, three-, and four-life settings | Multiple score tables are not listed as a kit feature |
| Score Backup & Restore | Yes | Not listed as a kit feature |
| Reset & Self-Test Access | Reset function and menu-based Self-Test access | Uses the original test mode for settings and score clearing |
| ROM Saver | Included | Not listed as a kit feature |
| Optional Wi-Fi Leaderboard | Available | Not offered with this product |
Which Mario Bros. Kit Should You Choose?
Choose the HighScoreSaves Mario Bros. Kit If You Want
- Select attract sounds on or off
- Menu-driven game and DIP-switch settings
- Separate score tables for supported lives settings
- Score backup and restore
- A reset function and Self-Test access
- ROM Saver functionality
- Optional 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi leaderboard support
Choose the Braze Mario Bros. Kit If You Want
- A focused Braze Technologies Free Play and score-saving upgrade
- Permanent storage of the Top 5 scores and player initials
- Battery-free score retention
- A saved Free Play setting that remains after power-off
- Free Play control through the original Mario Bros. test mode
- Score-table clearing through the original bookkeeping settings
Original Nintendo Mario Bros. Hardware Requirements
Both kits are designed for documented compatible original Nintendo Mario Bros. arcade hardware and install through the original Z80 CPU location.
These upgrades retain the original Nintendo PCB rather than replacing the game with an emulation system, generic multicade board, or reproduction PCB.
Z80 Processor and 40-Pin Socket Requirements
The original Z80 processor must be installed in a compatible 40-pin CPU socket.
No soldering is required for normal kit installation when the Z80 is already socketed.
If the processor is soldered directly to the Nintendo PCB, a qualified arcade technician must remove it and install a compatible socket before either kit can be used.
How the Mario Bros. Kits Install
Installation requires access to the Mario Bros. CPU board. The original Z80 processor is removed from the Nintendo PCB and installed in the selected daughterboard.
The assembled daughterboard and processor are then installed back into the original CPU location. Always use the installation guide for the specific kit you purchased because the HighScoreSaves and Braze daughterboards are separate products.
Mario Bros. Pre-Order Checklist
After Confirming Compatibility
Once you have confirmed the original Nintendo PCB, Z80 processor, compatible 40-pin socket, and preferred feature set, use the appropriate product page for current pricing, availability, options, and ordering.
Mario Bros. Kit Compatibility FAQ
Do both Mario Bros. kits work with original Nintendo hardware?
Yes. Both are intended for documented compatible original Nintendo Mario Bros. arcade hardware.
Do both kits save high scores permanently?
Yes. Both permanently store the Top 5 scores and player initials without requiring a battery.
Does Mario Bros. kit installation require soldering?
No soldering is required when the original Z80 is already socketed. A soldered processor requires professional removal and installation of a compatible 40-pin socket before either kit can be installed.
Which kit supports Wi-Fi leaderboards?
Optional 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi leaderboard support is available with the HighScoreSaves Mario Bros. kit. It is not offered with the Braze product.
Which kit has attract sounds and separate score tables?
The HighScoreSaves kit lists selectable attract sounds and separate score tables for supported two-, three-, and four-life settings. Those features are not listed for the Braze kit.
Do both kits reuse the original Z80 processor?
Yes. The original Z80 is removed from the Nintendo PCB, installed in the selected daughterboard, and the assembled upgrade is installed back into the original CPU location.