Megazone Arcade PCB Upgrade Overview for Original Konami Hardware
Review the available HighScoreSaves upgrade option for compatible original Konami Megazone arcade PCBs, including Free Play, Top 5 high score saving with initials, installation requirements, hardware compatibility, serial EEPROM storage, attract sounds, ROM Saver support, menu-driven settings, Flip Screen, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support.
This category is intended for collectors, operators, and restoration projects using original Megazone arcade hardware. The upgrade keeps the original Konami PCB in service rather than replacing the cabinet with an emulation platform, reproduction board, or multicade system.
Megazone installation requires a 6809E processor installed in a compatible 40-pin socket. No soldering is required when the 6809E processor location is already socketed.
Megazone Hardware Compatibility and Upgrade Features
The Megazone kit is designed for original Konami arcade hardware and adds modern reliability, score saving, menu settings, and optional leaderboard support while preserving the original fast-paced shooter gameplay, timing, sound, controls, and cabinet behavior.
- Designed for compatible original Konami Megazone arcade PCBs
- Free Play with traditional Coin-Up operation retained
- Permanent Top 5 high score saving with initials
- Reliable serial EEPROM storage with no batteries or failure-prone NVRAM required
- Attract sounds during every attract screen rotation
- Attract mode protection to help minimize CRT monitor burn-in
- Menu-driven DIP and operator settings
- ROM Saver support for optional original program ROM removal
- 16 separate score tables based on difficulty and lives settings
- Backup and restore support for saved high scores
- Flip Screen support to rotate the display image 180° when needed
- Upright and cocktail cabinet support
- Optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support
View Megazone Free Play and High Score Save Kit
View Megazone Installation Guide
Before ordering: confirm that your machine contains a documented compatible original Konami Megazone 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.
Megazone PCB Upgrade Details and Benefits
The HighScoreSaves Megazone Free Play and High Score Save Kit adds Free Play, Top 5 high score saving with initials, serial EEPROM storage, attract sounds, menu-driven DIP settings, ROM Saver support, 16 separate score tables, backup and restore, Flip Screen support, upright/cocktail support, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support to documented compatible original Konami arcade hardware.
This upgrade is designed for original Konami Megazone arcade PCBs. It keeps the original board in service rather than replacing the cabinet with an emulation system, reproduction PCB, or multicade platform.
Main Megazone Kit Features
- Top 5 score saving: Saves the Top 5 supported scores permanently with initials.
- Battery-free storage: Uses reliable serial EEPROM storage instead of failure-prone NVRAM or batteries.
- Free Play: Start Megazone without inserting coins.
- Traditional Coin-Up operation: Coin operation remains supported when desired.
- Attract sounds: Hear attract sounds during every attract screen rotation.
- Attract mode protection: Helps minimize CRT monitor burn-in.
- Menu-driven DIP settings: Change supported DIP options without opening the cabinet.
- ROM Saver: Original program ROMs may be removed when installed as directed.
- 16 separate score tables: Independent score tables based on difficulty and lives settings.
- Backup and restore: Save and restore high scores later for parties, tournaments, or service.
- Flip Screen: Rotate the display image 180° when needed.
- 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 Megazone 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, Attract Sounds, and Permanent High Scores
Free Play allows Megazone 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 saves the Top 5 supported scores permanently with initials.
Attract sounds can play during every attract screen rotation, and attract mode protection helps reduce the chance of CRT monitor burn-in during idle operation.
Konami Hardware, ROM Saver, and Score Tables
Megazone uses original Konami arcade hardware, and this kit is designed to preserve the original hybrid shooter 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 Megazone installation guide.
The kit includes 16 independent score tables based on difficulty and lives settings, helping keep saved scores organized across different cabinet setups, operator settings, or tournament rules.
Backup and Restore, Flip Screen, and Cabinet Support
Backup and restore support allows saved high scores to be preserved and reloaded later for service, events, parties, or tournament preparation.
Flip Screen support rotates the display image 180° when needed, giving operators additional flexibility during cabinet setup.
Upright and cocktail cabinet configurations are supported when used with documented compatible original Konami Megazone hardware.
Installation and PCB Requirements
- Designed for documented compatible original Konami Megazone 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 Megazone 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 Megazone 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, 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 Megazone gameplay, Free Play, local score saving, ROM Saver operation, cabinet settings, or menu-driven options.
Megazone Kit FAQ
Which arcade PCB does the HighScoreSaves Megazone kit support?
The kit is designed for documented compatible original Konami Megazone arcade PCBs.
Which processor is required for the Megazone kit?
The Megazone kit requires a 6809E processor installed in a compatible socketed 40-pin processor location.
How many high scores does the Megazone kit save?
The kit saves the Top 5 supported scores permanently with initials using serial EEPROM storage.
Does the Megazone kit support Free Play and Coin-Up operation?
Yes. Free Play and traditional Coin-Up operation are both supported.
How is the HighScoreSaves Megazone settings menu opened?
Hold Player 1 Start while turning the cabinet on. Release the button when the on-screen prompt tells you to continue.
How many score tables are included with the Megazone kit?
The kit includes 16 separate score tables based on difficulty and lives settings.
Does the Megazone kit support Flip Screen?
Yes. Flip Screen rotates the display image 180° when needed.
Does the Megazone kit support upright and cocktail cabinets?
Yes. The Megazone kit supports documented upright and cocktail cabinet configurations.
Is Wi-Fi required for the HighScoreSaves Megazone kit?
No. Standard kits save supported scores locally. Wi-Fi is optional for online leaderboard support.