Pengo Free Play and High Score Save Kit
Product information "Pengo Free Play and High Score Save Kit"
Pengo Free Play and High Score Save Kit for Sega Arcade PCB
Upgrade your original Sega Pengo arcade PCB with reliable Free Play, Top 5 score saving with initials, serial EEPROM storage, attract sounds, attract mode protection, menu-driven DIP settings, ROM Saver support, Backup and Restore, separate score tables, Reset Button support, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support while preserving authentic gameplay and original arcade hardware.
Designed specifically for original Sega hardware, this plug-and-play upgrade improves long-term reliability without changing gameplay timing, controls, sound, or the classic maze-action arcade gameplay collectors expect from Pengo.
Start games without coins while still supporting Coin-Up operation.
Permanently stores the Top 5 scores with player initials.
Adjustable attract sounds at 25%, 50%, or 100% frequency.
Submit qualifying scores online to the global arcade leaderboard.
Access the HighScoreSaves Pengo 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.
Upgrade Your Pengo Arcade Experience
Restore and enhance your original Pengo arcade machine with a professionally designed Free Play and High Score Save Kit built specifically for authentic Sega arcade hardware.
Original boards can lose high scores, rely on aging components, or suffer from unstable resets. This upgrade modernizes your PCB while preserving the original gameplay, controls, timing, sound, and maze-action gameplay that made Pengo one of Sega’s most recognizable arcade classics.
Unlike multigame systems, reproduction boards, or emulation platforms, this kit keeps your original arcade PCB intact while improving long-term reliability for collectors, operators, and restoration projects.
Available Kit Options
Build your kit exactly how you want it. Choose between a Wi-Fi Enabled Kit or a Standard Save Kit.
Optional processor and socket upgrades are also available to simplify installation on documented compatible original hardware.
Important Installation Notes
- Ensure your Z80 is socketed: Install a compatible 40-pin socket if your CPU is soldered directly to the PCB.
- Use a standard unencrypted Z80: Some Pengo PCBs use encrypted Z80 processors that are not compatible with this save kit.
- Check orientation before power-up: Verify Pin 1 orientation, socket condition, daughterboard seating, and every processor pin before restoring cabinet power.
- Read the Pengo Installation Guide before installation.
Main Pengo Kit Features
- Easy Install: No soldering, board modifications, or special wiring required when the Z80 location is already socketed
- Save Your Scores Forever: Uses reliable serial EEPROM storage instead of batteries or NVRAM
- High Score Save: Stores the Top 5 scores with initials
- Attract Sounds: Adjustable at 25%, 50%, or 100% attract-screen rotations
- Free Play: Start games without coins or opening the coin door
- Coin-Up operation: Coins and tokens are still supported when desired
- Attract Mode Protection: Helps reduce monitor burn-in from static screens
- Menu-Driven DIP Settings: Change supported settings on-screen without cabinet removal
- ROM Saver: Remove designated original program ROMs when installed as directed
- Cabinet Support: Works in documented upright and cocktail cabinet configurations
Additional Pengo Kit Features
- Backup and Restore: Back up saved high scores and restore them later for parties, events, or tournaments
- Separate Score Tables: Different score tables for 2, 3, or 4 lives settings
- Reset Button: Restart the game without powering the cabinet off when enabled
- Optional Wi-Fi: Adds qualifying online leaderboard submission while keeping local score saving
Installation Information
- Installation Difficulty: Easy when the processor location is already socketed
- Soldering Required: No, if the Z80 CPU is already socketed
- Processor Requirement: Requires a standard unencrypted Z80 processor
- Encrypted CPU Note: Encrypted Z80 processors are not compatible with this save kit
- Socketed CPU Required: Install a compatible 40-pin socket if needed
- Cabinet Compatibility: Upright and cocktail configurations supported
- ROM Saver: Remove only the original program ROMs identified in the Pengo installation guide
- Installation Guide: View/Download Pengo Install Guide (PDF)
Optional Wi-Fi Features and Online Leaderboards
Standard kits save scores locally to the PCB. Wi-Fi is optional and is not required for normal Pengo gameplay, local score saving, Free Play, Coin-Up operation, menu settings, Backup and Restore, Reset Button support, score tables, or ROM Saver operation.
Upgrade to a Wi-Fi Enabled Kit to submit qualifying scores online and compete against players through the HighScoreSaves global leaderboard platform.
Pengo Free Play and High Score Save Kit FAQ
Do I need to solder anything?
No soldering is required when the documented Z80 CPU location already has a compatible 40-pin socket. If the CPU is soldered directly to the PCB, a compatible socket must be installed first.
Does it save my high scores permanently?
Yes. Scores are stored using reliable serial EEPROM storage and do not require batteries or NVRAM.
How many high scores does it save?
The kit saves the Top 5 scores with player initials.
How is the HighScoreSaves Pengo 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 it support attract sounds?
Yes. You can enable attract sounds at 25%, 50%, or 100% frequency.
Can I use Free Play and coins?
Yes. The kit supports both Free Play and Coin-Up operation.
Does it work in all cabinet types?
The kit supports documented upright and cocktail cabinet configurations.
Can I back up and restore scores?
Yes. You can back up scores and restore them later for service work, parties, events, or tournament preparation.
What CPUs are compatible?
You must use a standard unencrypted Z80 processor. Encrypted Z80 processors are not compatible with this save kit.
Is Wi-Fi required?
No. Standard kits save supported scores and settings locally. Wi-Fi is optional for online leaderboard support.
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1 review
January 10, 2026 2:38 AM
Finally bought this high score save kit
Glad I did! Fast ship and simple installation guide that's easy to follow