Zaxxon Free Play and High Score Save Kits
Download Zaxxon Install Guide (PDF)
Upgrade Your Zaxxon Arcade Experience
Bring modern convenience to your original Zaxxon arcade hardware with our collection of Zaxxon Free Play and High Score Save Kits. These plug-and-play upgrades add reliable high score saving, Free Play functionality, and an intuitive on-screen settings menu while preserving the classic isometric space-combat gameplay that made Zaxxon a standout classic.
Related Arcade Kits You May Also Like:
Asteroids |
Space Duel |
Gravitar |
Tempest |
Time Pilot
Braze Zaxxon Free Play and High Score Save Kit
Braze Zaxxon High Score Save Kit — Features & Install 📄 Installation Guide (PDF) Overview A simple-to-install high score save kit for Zaxxon that permanently remembers the top 6 scores and initials—no batteries required. Includes deluxe Free Play, power-on self-test, an on-screen settings menu, and a Flip Screen option for 180° rotation. Installs in minutes with no board modifications or special wiring typically required. Installation Summary Power down the cabinet and access the CPU board. Carefully remove the Z80 CPU from the Zaxxon CPU board. Insert the Z80 into the included daughter card. Plug the daughter card into the vacated Z80 socket on the CPU board. Power on and follow the install guide to verify operation. Key Features Installs in minutes: no board modifications or special wiring. Top 6 High Score Save: remembers scores and initials permanently (no batteries). True Free Play: no coins required; keep the coin door closed. Full attract mode: attract screens run normally even in Free Play. Power-on diagnostics: automatic self-test every time the game powers up. On-screen settings: change options and erase high scores without DIP switch hassle. Flip Screen: 180° cabinet rotation with no monitor or hardware adjustments. FAQ Where can I download the install guide? Zaxxon Install Guide (PDF) Do I need to solder anything? Typically no. Most installations require no soldering or special wiring. How do I reset the high scores? Use the on-screen settings menu to erase the table and restore defaults. Can I rotate the display? Yes. Use the built-in Flip Screen setting for a 180° rotation—no monitor adjustments needed. Which CPU does this kit use? The kit interfaces with the Z80 CPU—remove the Z80, place it in the daughter card, then insert the card into the Z80 socket.
Zaxxon Free Play and High Score Save Kit
Customize Your Zaxxon Free Play and High Score Save Kit Build your kit exactly how you want it. Choose a Wi-Fi Enabled Kit or a Standard Save Kit. You can also add a processor and/or a 40-pin socket—optional but recommended for easy installation. Learn More About This Kit Click a button to view details, tips, or the installation guide. Main Features Easy install: No soldering, board modifications, or special wiring. Plug in and go. Save your scores forever: Uses reliable serial EEPROM (not failure-prone NVRAM or batteries). High Score Save: Stores the Top 6 scores with initials. Attract Sounds: Enable at 25%, 50%, or 100% of the attract rotation. No Service Switch required: On-screen menu (Braze kit needs one — this kit does not). Logo options: Choose manufacturer or HighScoreSaves attract logo. Freeplay: No more coins or opening the coin door. Coin Up: Still supports quarters/tokens. Attract Mode: Reduces static screens to minimize burn-in. On-screen DIP settings: Menu-driven, no cabinet pull-out. ROM Saver: Original program ROMs may be removed. Cabinet compatibility: Works in Upright and Cocktail cabinets. Additional Features Backup & Restore: Save and restore high scores. Separate score tables: High-score tables for 2/3/4/5 lives. Flip Screen: Rotate the screen 180° directly from the menu. Important Installation Notes Socketed Z80 required: If your Z80 isn’t socketed, install a 40-pin socket. Read the Zaxxon Installation Guide (PDF) before installation. FAQ Is installation truly plug-and-play? Yes—just ensure your Z80 is socketed or install a 40-pin socket. How many scores are saved? The kit saves the Top 6 scores with initials. Do I need a Service or Test Switch? No. Unlike the Braze kit, this kit uses an on-screen menu and requires no Test/Service switch. What’s the difference between Wi-Fi and Standard kits? Wi-Fi uploads scores online; Standard saves locally. Can I back up and restore scores? Yes—Backup/Restore is built in. Can I flip the screen? Yes—rotate the display 180° via the on-screen menu. Where can I download the Installation Guide? Zaxxon Installation Guide (PDF) Will this work in my cabinet? Yes—supports Upright and Cocktail Zaxxon cabinets. Does Freeplay disable coin inputs? No—Freeplay works alongside normal coin operation. Do I need to remove original program ROMs? No—completely optional. The kit runs either way. Resources Zaxxon — Installation Guide (PDF) HighScoreSaves YouTube Channel — Installation Tips HighScoreSaves Facebook Page HighScoreSaves eBay Store
Details and Benefits
The Zaxxon Free Play and High Score Save Kit is engineered for original arcade hardware to improve score retention, streamline resets, and enhance gameplay convenience. This upgrade brings modern reliability while preserving the classic isometric space shooter experience that defines Zaxxon.
What This Kit Adds
- Free Play support — Enable coin-free play while still supporting traditional coin operation
- Reliable high score saving — Permanent high score storage using non-volatile memory
- On-screen settings menu — Adjust gameplay and kit options without opening the cabinet
- Monitor-friendly attract behavior — Helps reduce static attract screen burn-in
- Cabinet compatibility — Works with Upright arcade cabinets
Advanced Features
- High score backup and restore — Save and reload score data as needed
- Separate score tables — Independent tables based on configuration settings
- Optional Wi-Fi support — Upload and sync high scores online
Important Installation Notes
This kit requires a compatible socketed CPU. Always review the installation guide prior to beginning to ensure correct setup and reliable operation.
Optional Wi-Fi enabled versions allow scores to be uploaded online and synced to your personal player page in addition to local high score saving on the PCB.