Moon Cresta Arcade PCB Upgrade Overview for Original Nichibutsu Hardware
Review the available HighScoreSaves upgrade option for compatible original Nichibutsu Moon Cresta arcade PCBs, including Free Play, Top 5 high score saving, installation requirements, hardware compatibility, serial EEPROM storage, attract sounds, ROM Saver support, menu-driven settings, Backup and Restore, separate score tables, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support.
This category is intended for collectors, operators, and restoration projects using original Moon Cresta arcade hardware. The upgrade keeps the original Nichibutsu PCB in service rather than replacing the cabinet with an emulation platform, reproduction board, or multicade system.
Moon Cresta installation requires compatible Moon Cresta / EAGLE-class hardware and a socketed Z80 processor. No soldering is required when the Z80 processor location is already socketed.
Moon Cresta Hardware Compatibility and Upgrade Features
The Moon Cresta kit is designed for original Nichibutsu arcade hardware and adds modern reliability, score saving, menu settings, and optional leaderboard support while preserving the original fixed shooter gameplay, timing, sound, controls, and cabinet behavior.
- Designed for compatible Moon Cresta / EAGLE-class arcade hardware
- Free Play with traditional Coin-Up operation retained
- Permanent Top 5 high score saving
- Reliable serial EEPROM storage with no batteries or NVRAM required
- Adjustable attract sounds at 25%, 50%, or 100% attract-screen rotations
- Attract mode protection to help reduce monitor burn-in from static screens
- Menu-driven settings for supported DIP options
- ROM Saver support for optional original program ROM removal
- Backup and Restore support for saved high scores
- Separate score tables for 2, 3, 4, or 5 lives settings
- Upright and cocktail cabinet support
- Optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support
View Moon Cresta Free Play and High Score Save Kit
View Moon Cresta Installation Guide
Before ordering: confirm that your machine contains documented compatible Moon Cresta / EAGLE-class arcade hardware 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.
Moon Cresta PCB Upgrade Details and Benefits
The HighScoreSaves Moon Cresta Free Play and High Score Save Kit adds Free Play, Top 5 high score saving, serial EEPROM storage, adjustable attract sounds, menu-driven settings, ROM Saver support, Backup and Restore, separate lives-based score tables, upright/cocktail support, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support to documented compatible Moon Cresta / EAGLE-class hardware.
This upgrade is designed for original Nichibutsu Moon Cresta arcade PCBs and compatible Moon Cresta / EAGLE-class hardware. It keeps the original board in service rather than replacing the cabinet with an emulation system, reproduction PCB, or multicade platform.
Main Moon Cresta Kit Features
- Top 5 score saving: Stores the Top 5 supported high scores permanently.
- Battery-free storage: Uses reliable serial EEPROM storage instead of batteries or NVRAM.
- Free Play: Start Moon Cresta without inserting coins.
- Traditional Coin-Up operation: Coin operation remains supported when desired.
- Adjustable attract sounds: Attract sounds can be set to 25%, 50%, or 100% attract-screen rotations.
- Attract mode protection: Helps reduce monitor burn-in from static screens.
- Menu-driven settings: Change supported DIP options directly on screen.
- ROM Saver: Original program ROMs may be removed when installed as directed.
- Backup and Restore: Back up scores and restore them later.
- Separate score tables: Different tables for 2, 3, 4, or 5 lives settings.
- 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 Moon Cresta 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 Moon Cresta 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.
Attract sounds are adjustable at 25%, 50%, or 100% attract-screen rotations. Attract mode protection helps reduce the chance of monitor burn-in from static screens during idle operation.
Nichibutsu Hardware, EAGLE-Class Compatibility, and ROM Saver
Moon Cresta uses original Nichibutsu arcade hardware, and this kit is intended for documented compatible Moon Cresta / EAGLE-class hardware only.
ROM Saver support allows designated original program ROMs to be removed when the kit is installed as directed in the Moon Cresta installation guide.
The upgrade preserves the original fixed shooter gameplay, controls, timing, sound, and cabinet behavior while adding modern score-saving and operator convenience features.
Backup and Restore, Score Tables, and Cabinet Support
Backup and Restore support allows saved high scores to be backed up and restored later for service, events, parties, or tournament preparation.
Separate score tables are supported for 2, 3, 4, or 5 lives settings, helping keep saved scores organized across different gameplay configurations.
Upright and cocktail cabinet configurations are supported when used with documented compatible Moon Cresta / EAGLE-class hardware.
Installation and PCB Requirements
- Designed for documented compatible Moon Cresta / EAGLE-class hardware.
- 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 processor 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 Moon Cresta 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 Moon Cresta 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, Backup and Restore, score tables, 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 Moon Cresta gameplay, Free Play, local score saving, ROM Saver operation, cabinet settings, or menu-driven options.
Moon Cresta Kit FAQ
Which arcade PCB does the HighScoreSaves Moon Cresta kit support?
The kit works only on documented compatible Moon Cresta / EAGLE-class hardware.
Which processor is required for the Moon Cresta kit?
The Moon Cresta kit requires a socketed Z80 processor in a compatible 40-pin processor location.
How many high scores does the Moon Cresta kit save?
The kit stores the Top 5 supported high scores using serial EEPROM storage.
Does the Moon Cresta kit support Free Play and Coin-Up operation?
Yes. Free Play and traditional Coin-Up operation are both supported.
How is the HighScoreSaves Moon Cresta 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 Moon Cresta kit include Backup and Restore?
Yes. Backup and Restore support allows saved high scores to be backed up and restored later.
Does the Moon Cresta kit support multiple lives-based score tables?
Yes. Separate score tables are supported for 2, 3, 4, or 5 lives settings.
Does the Moon Cresta kit support upright and cocktail cabinets?
Yes. The Moon Cresta kit supports documented upright and cocktail cabinet configurations.
Is Wi-Fi required for the HighScoreSaves Moon Cresta kit?
No. Standard kits save supported scores locally. Wi-Fi is optional for online leaderboard support.