Galaga Free Play and High Score Save Kit
Product information "Galaga Free Play and High Score Save Kit"
HighScoreSaves Galaga Free Play and High Score Save Kit
Upgrade documented compatible original Midway, Namco, or supported Galaga arcade hardware with Free Play, permanent Top 5 score and initials saving, eight-digit scoring, selectable firing speeds, Auto Fire, a Level 255 fix, menu-driven settings, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support.
This HighScoreSaves upgrade operates on the original Galaga arcade PCB without replacing it with an emulation platform, reproduction game board, or generic multicade system. Standard Galaga gameplay remains available, while Auto Fire and alternate shooting speeds are optional settings.
Galaga Kit Highlights
Start Galaga without inserting coins while retaining supported traditional coin operation when Free Play is disabled.
Permanently stores the five highest supported scores and qualifying player initials.
Includes Auto Fire, four firing speeds, eight-digit scoring, and the Level 255 progression fix.
Wi-Fi Enabled versions can submit qualifying scores to supported HighScoreSaves online leaderboards.
Compatibility & Requirements
A Galaga Upgrade for Original Arcade Hardware
This product adds modern score-saving, menu, and optional gameplay features to documented compatible original Galaga arcade hardware. It does not replace the original game board with an emulator, reproduction PCB, or multicade platform.
The original Galaga controls, graphics hardware, sound hardware, timing, and game platform remain in service.
Auto Fire and alternate firing speeds intentionally change firing behavior only when enabled. Select Normal firing speed and disable Auto Fire when standard Galaga shooting behavior is desired.
Free Play and Permanent Score Saving
Retains the five highest supported scores after cabinet power is removed.
Stores qualifying initials with each supported saved score.
Uses serial EEPROM storage rather than a replaceable score-save battery.
Maintains supported high-score tables for two-, three-, four-, and five-life settings.
Manage supported saved high-score data through the kit menu.
Clear supported saved high-score data through the settings menu.
Galaga Gameplay and Scoring Options
Enable or disable automatic firing through the HighScoreSaves menu.
Choose Normal, Slow, Fast, or Fastest firing behavior.
Supports displayed scores as high as 99,999,990.
Allows supported game progression to continue beyond the original Level 255 behavior.
Attract Sounds, Logos, and Menu Settings
- Adjustable attract sounds: Choose Off, 25%, 50%, or 100% of the supported attract rotation.
- Full attract audio: Select 100% for supported sound throughout each attract cycle.
- Rotating attract displays: Changes supported attract screens instead of continuously displaying one static screen.
- Attract-logo selection: Choose a supported Midway, Namco, or HighScoreSaves logo.
- Menu-driven game settings: Adjust supported options through the on-screen kit menu.
- ROM Saver: Allows designated original program ROMs to be removed when directed by the current installation documentation.
- Saved configuration: Supported configuration changes are retained locally by the kit.
Galaga Settings Menu Access
The current installation guide documents protected settings access by holding Player 1 Start while powering the cabinet on and releasing the button when prompted.
The kit can also provide its normal menu-access behavior during operation when that feature is enabled in the settings.
Galaga PCB Installation Requirements
Before Installing the Galaga Kit
Verify that the original Galaga board is fully operational before installing the kit.
Compare your board directly with the documented Midway, Namco, or Galag bootleg images in the installation guide.
Confirm the Z80 is removable from a compatible 40-pin socket and note Pin 1 orientation.
Photograph and label any connectors removed from the original PCB before installation.
Use the installation path for the actual Midway, Namco, or documented bootleg PCB rather than assuming the board layouts are interchangeable.
Standard and Wi-Fi Enabled Galaga Kits
Wi-Fi can be disabled without affecting Galaga gameplay, Free Play, local score saving, or supported menu settings.
Galaga Kit FAQ
Which Galaga PCBs are documented?
The current installation guide illustrates a Midway Galaga CPU board, a Namco Galaga CPU board, and one documented Galag bootleg PCB layout.
Does that mean every Galaga clone is compatible?
No. Compare the exact arcade PCB with the current installation guide. Other clone, reproduction, or Galaga-style boards may use different layouts.
Which processor is required?
A compatible Z80 processor is required. The original Z80 can be transferred to the kit or a compatible replacement can be selected when ordering.
What are the Midway and Namco installation locations?
The current guide identifies the Midway PCB at 3HJ and the Namco PCB at 3F.
What is different about the documented Galag bootleg PCB?
The current guide requires an additional supplied 2732 EPROM at J4, not K4, and the corresponding bootleg menu configuration.
Does Auto Fire permanently change Galaga?
No. Auto Fire and alternate firing speeds are optional. Disable Auto Fire and select Normal firing speed for standard Galaga firing behavior.
Does installation require soldering?
No soldering is normally required when the required processor location is already properly socketed. A soldered required processor must be professionally removed and socketed first.
Is Wi-Fi required?
No. Standard kits store supported scores, initials, and settings locally. Wi-Fi is optional for supported online score submission.
Galaga Kit Resources
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5 reviews
September 14, 2026 9:00 PM
Easy installation and excellent upgrade
Installed this kit on an original Galaga PCB. Installation was straightforward, and the high scores remain saved after the cabinet is powered off. Free Play works well, and the settings are easy to access. It is a great upgrade that preserves the original Galaga gameplay.
June 29, 2026 8:46 PM
Fantastic upgrade for an original Galaga cabinet
I couldn't be happier with this Galaga Free Play and High Score Save Kit. Installation was straightforward, the instructions were easy to follow, and everything worked perfectly on the first power-up. The ability to save high scores completely changes the experience, especially when friends are always trying to beat each other's scores.
The kit fits the original PCB perfectly with no permanent modifications, so I was able to keep my machine completely original. Build quality is excellent, shipping was fast, and the packaging kept everything well protected. HighScoreSaves also answered my questions quickly before I ordered. If you own an original Galaga arcade machine, this is one of the best upgrades you can make. Highly recommended!
January 10, 2026 2:30 AM
J Kramer
Easy install kit and shipped fast! Will be back!
October 19, 2025 3:16 PM
Galaga Kit
This kit was the first thing I bought when I picked up my Galaga. Not just high score saves, but also menu driven free play, lives, firing modes/speeds and attack mode/sounds. If you own a Galaga this is
a must have!
October 17, 2025 6:06 PM
So many cool changes to my Galaga
Easy install as expected. Saves scores when turned off, now has free play without coins, and what I like, fast bullet option to blast away!