Xevious Free Play and High Score Save Kit for Original Xevious Hardware

Xevious Kit Details and Benefits

The Xevious Free Play and High Score Save Kit upgrades documented compatible original Namco and Atari Xevious arcade hardware with Free Play, permanent Top 5 high score saving with initials, menu-driven settings, serial EEPROM storage, diagnostic tools, ROM Saver support, backup and restore, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support.

This is a focused original-hardware upgrade for Xevious. It keeps the original PCB platform, controls, sound, timing, scrolling gameplay, and bombing mechanics while adding reliable score retention, diagnostic functions, and convenient operator settings.

Main Xevious Kit Features

• Original Xevious PCB support: Designed for documented compatible original Namco and Atari Xevious arcade hardware.
• Permanent score saving: Saves the Top 5 supported high scores with initials.
• Initials options: Use 3-character initials with HighScoreSaves copyright or 10-character initials with Namco copyright.
• Free Play: Start games without inserting coins.
• Coin-Up operation: Continue using traditional quarters or tokens when desired.
• Serial EEPROM score storage: Saves supported scores and settings without batteries or NVRAM.
• Attract mode protection: Helps reduce long periods of static display content.
• Menu-driven DIP switches: Change supported settings directly on-screen.
• Cross Hatch: Built-in monitor adjustment pattern.
• RAM Test: Integrated memory diagnostic support.
• Input Test: Built-in testing for supported cabinet controls and inputs.
• Fast Boot: Access supported self-test functions directly from the menu or DIP switch configuration.
• ROM Saver support: Original program ROMs may optionally be removed.
• Backup and restore: Save and restore supported high-score data when needed.
• Separate score tables: Supports independent tables for 2, 3, or 4 lives.
• Cabinet compatibility: Works in upright and cocktail cabinet configurations.
• Optional Wi-Fi: Add supported online score submission while retaining local score saving.

Accessing the Settings Menu

To access the supported HighScoreSaves 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, Coin-Up, and Top 5 Score Saving

Free Play allows Xevious to start without inserting coins. Traditional Coin-Up operation can still be used when desired, so the cabinet can continue accepting quarters or tokens.

The kit permanently saves the Top 5 supported scores with player initials. When HighScoreSaves copyright is selected, supported scores use 3-character initials. When Namco copyright is selected, supported initials can use up to 10 characters.

Score and settings data is stored through serial EEPROM instead of batteries or NVRAM. Separate score tables are supported for 2, 3, and 4 lives settings, and Backup and Restore functionality allows saved high-score data to be managed when needed.

Diagnostics, ROM Saver, and Cabinet Support

Xevious includes built-in diagnostic functions designed to make setup and troubleshooting easier on original arcade hardware. A Cross Hatch pattern can be used for monitor adjustment, while RAM Test and Input Test functions provide additional board and control diagnostics.

ROM Saver support allows designated original program ROMs to be removed if desired while the HighScoreSaves kit provides the supported program code. The original Xevious PCB remains the core game hardware.

The current Xevious product supports documented upright and cocktail cabinet configurations. One Free Play-specific difference is that the Player 1 and Player 2 Start buttons do not illuminate while Free Play mode is active.

Installation and PCB Requirements

• Designed only for documented compatible original Namco and Atari Xevious arcade PCBs.
• The Xevious installation guide documents two supported original PCB configurations.
• A Z80 processor is required for installation.
• The kit includes a Z80 daughter card.
• The original Z80 is removed from the PCB, installed on the daughter card, and the daughter card is installed at the documented CPU location.
• No soldering is required when the Z80 location already has a compatible 40-pin socket.
• If the Z80 is soldered directly to the PCB, a compatible 40-pin socket must be installed before using the kit.
• The installation guide identifies the supported Z80 location on the Xevious CPU board and documents the Atari and Namco PCB differences.
• Verify the notch and Pin 1 orientation on the Z80 before restoring power.
• Ensure the daughter card does not contact test points or other components underneath it.
• Review the installation guide, double-check all work, and power off immediately if the game does not start after installation.

Standard and Optional Wi-Fi Versions

Standard kits save supported scores and settings locally. An internet connection is not required for gameplay, Free Play, Coin-Up operation, menu access, diagnostics, or local score saving.

Optional Wi-Fi kits include the same local features and add supported online score submission through the HighScoreSaves leaderboard platform.

Wi-Fi is optional and does not replace local high score storage or the other supported Xevious kit features.

Xevious Kit FAQ

Which Xevious PCBs are supported?

The kit is designed for documented compatible original Namco and Atari Xevious PCB configurations. Compare your exact board with the installation guide before ordering or installing the kit.

What CPU is required?

A Z80 processor is required. The processor is installed on the HighScoreSaves daughter card during installation.

Does installation require soldering?

Not when the required Z80 location already has a compatible 40-pin socket. If the processor is soldered directly to the PCB, a compatible socket must be installed first.

How many scores are saved?

The kit saves the Top 5 supported high scores with initials.

How many characters can I use for initials?

HighScoreSaves copyright mode supports 3-character initials, while the supported Namco copyright mode allows up to 10-character initials.

Does it support Free Play and Coin-Up?

Yes. Free Play is supported, and traditional Coin-Up operation can still be used.

How do I 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.

Which diagnostic tools are included?

The kit includes Cross Hatch, RAM Test, Input Test, and supported Fast Boot or self-test access.

Do the Player 1 and Player 2 Start buttons illuminate during Free Play?

No. The P1 and P2 Start buttons do not illuminate while Free Play mode is active.

Does it support upright and cocktail cabinets?

Yes. The current Xevious product supports both upright and cocktail cabinet configurations.

Is Wi-Fi required?

No. Standard kits save supported scores locally. Wi-Fi is optional for online leaderboard support.