Galaga 3 | Gaplus Free Play and High Score Save Kit

Galaga 3 / Gaplus Free Play and High Score Save Kit for Namco Arcade PCBs

Upgrade a compatible original Namco Galaga 3 / Gaplus arcade PCB with Free Play, permanent Top 5 high score saving, 16 separate score tables, serial EEPROM storage, attract sounds, menu-driven DIP settings, ROM Saver support, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support.

This plug-in daughterboard continues to use the original Namco arcade PCB, controls, video hardware, sound hardware, game timing, and authentic arcade gameplay. It does not replace the original board with an emulation platform, reproduction PCB, or multicade system.

Upgrade Your Galaga 3 / Gaplus Arcade PCB

The HighScoreSaves Galaga 3 / Gaplus Free Play and High Score Save Kit adds modern score-saving and operator features while continuing to run the game on compatible original Namco arcade hardware.

Galaga 3 / Gaplus retains its original controls, timing, graphics, sound, and arcade behavior. The kit is designed for collectors, operators, and restoration projects that need better score saving and easier cabinet operation without replacing the original PCB.

Available Kit Options

Choose a Standard Save Kit for local score storage or a Wi-Fi Enabled Kit for local score storage plus supported online leaderboard submission.

Optional processor and 40-pin socket choices are available to help simplify installation on original hardware when needed.

Main Features

• Free Play: Start Galaga 3 / Gaplus without inserting coins.
• Coin-Up support: Continue using traditional coin operation when Free Play is disabled.
• Permanent score saving: Saves the Top 5 high scores using serial EEPROM instead of batteries or NVRAM.
• 16 separate score tables: Keeps score tables separated for supported difficulty and lives settings.
• Attract sounds: Enable supported attract-screen audio.
• Attract mode screen saver: Helps reduce monitor burn-in from static screens during idle operation.
• Menu-driven DIP settings: Change supported game and operator settings through the on-screen menu.
• ROM Saver: Optionally remove supported original program ROMs as directed by the installation guide.
• Cabinet compatibility: Supports documented upright and cocktail cabinet configurations.
• Backup and restore: Save and restore supported high scores before or after game-room parties, events, or tournaments.
• Optional Wi-Fi: Add online leaderboard score submission while keeping local score saving.

Access the HighScoreSaves Galaga 3 / Gaplus 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.

Important Installation Notes

• Designed for compatible original Namco Galaga 3 / Gaplus arcade PCBs.
• Access to the original arcade PCB is required during installation.
• This kit requires a compatible 6809E processor for operation.
• A compatible 40-pin CPU socket is required. No soldering is required when the processor location is already socketed.
• If the 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 Galaga 3 / Gaplus installation guide when using ROM Saver features.
• Verify Pin 1 orientation, processor alignment, socket condition, and every processor pin before restoring cabinet power.
• Review the Galaga 3 / Gaplus Installation Guide before beginning installation.

Standard and Optional Wi-Fi Versions

Standard kits save supported scores locally to the PCB and do not require an internet connection for gameplay, Free Play, settings-menu operation, or local score saving.

Wi-Fi enabled kits include the same local features and add supported online leaderboard submission after player initials are entered.

Scores and settings remain stored locally when Wi-Fi is disabled or unavailable.

Galaga 3 / Gaplus Free Play and High Score Save Kit FAQ

Resources