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Popeye Free Play and High Score Save Kit

Product information "Popeye Free Play and High Score Save Kit"

The HighScoreSaves Popeye Free Play and High Score Save Kit upgrades documented compatible original Nintendo Popeye arcade hardware with Free Play, permanent Top 5 score and initials saving, battery-free storage, selectable attract sounds, menu-driven settings, separate score tables, Backup and Restore, software reset, self-test access, ROM Saver functionality, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support while retaining the original Nintendo arcade PCB.

Popeye Compatibility & Requirements

Compatible PCB: Documented compatible original Nintendo Popeye arcade PCB
Processor: Compatible Z80 processor
Processor Location: Compatible 40-pin Z80 socket
Processor Transfer: The Z80 is installed on the HighScoreSaves daughterboard and the assembled kit is inserted into the original CPU socket
Soldering: Not required when the documented Z80 installation location already has a compatible socket
Special Wiring: No special cabinet wiring is required for normal installation
Cabinet Support: Documented upright and cocktail cabinets using compatible original Nintendo hardware

Installation: Plug-in installation when the original Z80 is already socketed. If the processor is soldered directly to the PCB, a qualified arcade technician must remove it and install a compatible 40-pin socket before the kit can be used.

Popeye Settings Menu Video

See how to enter the Popeye settings menu and review the available options and controls.

What This Kit Adds

Free Play Start Popeye without inserting coins while retaining normal coin and token operation.
Permanent Top 5 Scores & Initials Permanently stores the five highest supported scores and player initials.
Battery-Free Serial EEPROM Retains supported scores and initials after cabinet power is removed without requiring a backup battery.
Selectable Attract Sounds Turn supported attract sounds on or off through the kit settings.
Menu-Driven Settings Adjust supported game and DIP-switch options through the HighScoreSaves menu.
Separate Score Tables Maintains independent supported score tables for 2-, 3-, and 4-life settings.
Score Backup & Restore Back up the current supported score table and restore it when needed.
Software Reset Restart the game through the supported kit function without cycling cabinet power.
Self-Test Access Enter supported self-test through the kit menu or the documented original PCB DIP-switch positions.
Attract-Mode Protection Reduces prolonged display of supported static attract screens while the cabinet is idle.
ROM Saver Supports removal of designated original program ROMs as explained in the installation guide.
Upright & Cocktail Support Supports documented compatible upright and cocktail cabinets using original Nintendo Popeye hardware.

Standard vs. Wi-Fi Kit

Standard Kit

Permanently saves supported scores, initials, and settings locally while providing Free Play, attract-sound options, separate score tables, Backup and Restore, software reset, self-test access, ROM Saver, and other documented local features without requiring an internet connection.

Wi-Fi Enabled Kit

Includes the same local features and adds qualifying online leaderboard score submission through the HighScoreSaves platform after supported initials are entered.

Wi-Fi can be disabled without affecting local score saving or normal gameplay. Wi-Fi-enabled kits use compatible 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks.

Popeye Kit FAQ

Is this the HighScoreSaves or Braze Popeye kit?

This page is for the Popeye kit designed and supported by HighScoreSaves. A separate Braze Technologies Popeye kit is also available.

Which arcade hardware does this kit support?

It is designed for documented compatible original Nintendo Popeye arcade PCBs.

Does installation require soldering?

No soldering is required when the Z80 installation location already has a compatible 40-pin socket. If the processor is soldered directly to the PCB, a qualified arcade technician must install a compatible socket first.

How many scores and initials are saved?

The kit permanently stores the Top 5 supported scores and player initials.

How do I access the Popeye settings menu?

With the cabinet turned off, hold Player 1 Start while turning on the cabinet. Continue holding the button for approximately four seconds, then follow the on-screen settings menu.

Can attract sounds be turned off?

Yes. Supported attract sounds can be switched on or off through the kit settings.

Are separate score tables supported?

Yes. Independent supported score tables are maintained for 2-, 3-, and 4-life settings.

Can scores be backed up and restored?

Yes. The kit includes supported score Backup and Restore functions.

How is self-test accessed?

Self-test can be accessed through the supported menu option or by setting all original PCB DIP switches to the documented OFF positions.

Does the kit change original Popeye gameplay?

No. It continues to use the original Nintendo arcade PCB, controls, game program, graphics hardware, and sound hardware.

Is Wi-Fi required?

No. Standard kits save supported scores, initials, and settings locally. Wi-Fi is optional for online leaderboard score submission.

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