Free Play vs. High Score Save Kits for Classic Arcade Games
By HighScoreSaves Technical Team
Reviewed and updated August 17, 2026
Arcade upgrade kits are often described with terms such as Free Play, High Score Save, and ROM Saver. These features are related, but they do not mean the same thing and they are not automatically included together.
A high score save kit may save scores without adding Free Play. A kit may include ROM Saver functionality without changing how credits are entered. Other kits combine all of these functions. Understanding the difference is important when choosing an upgrade for an original classic arcade PCB.
The Short Answer
High Score Save keeps scores after power-off.
Free Play allows games to start without inserting coins.
ROM Saver replaces supported program-ROM functions through the upgrade hardware.
A kit can include any combination of these features.
What Is a High Score Save Kit?
Many original arcade games were never designed to permanently retain a complete high score table after the machine was turned off. Depending on the game, scores could be lost when cabinet power was removed or only limited score information might remain.
A High Score Save Kit adds persistent score storage to compatible original arcade hardware. The exact number of scores saved, whether player initials are retained, and what additional features are available depend on the individual kit.
- Permanent high score retention
- Player initials saving
- Battery-free storage
- Additional score tables
- Backup and Restore functions
- ROM Saver functionality
- Other game-specific features
What Does Free Play Mean?
Free Play allows a supported arcade game to start without requiring the player to insert a coin or token first.
This is especially useful in home arcades, collections, museums, exhibitions, and other locations where the owner does not want players repeatedly opening the coin door or supplying credits.
On many HighScoreSaves kits, Free Play can be enabled while normal coin operation remains available when desired. That allows the cabinet owner to choose how the machine operates.
Important: A product being called a High Score Save Kit does not automatically mean that it includes Free Play.
What Is a ROM Saver?
ROM Saver is another separate feature found on some arcade upgrade kits. When supported by the individual design, the daughter card supplies the required game program functionality so designated original program ROMs can be removed from the arcade PCB.
This can reduce reliance on aging program-ROM devices and their sockets while keeping the original arcade PCB and processor architecture in service.
ROM Saver functionality does not indicate whether a kit has Free Play. A kit can include ROM Saver with or without Free Play.
Free Play, High Score Save, and ROM Saver Are Separate Features
| Feature | What It Does | Automatically Included With High Score Saving? |
|---|---|---|
| High Score Save | Retains supported scores and initials after power-off | This is the primary function of a High Score Save Kit |
| Free Play | Allows gameplay without inserting coins | No — verify the individual kit |
| ROM Saver | Supplies supported program-ROM functionality through the upgrade hardware | No — verify the individual kit |
| Wi-Fi Leaderboard | Allows qualifying scores from supported HighScoreSaves kits to be submitted online | No — only supported Wi-Fi-enabled products |
Battlezone: A Good Real-World Example
Atari's Battlezone is a useful example because two different upgrade kits are available for compatible original Battlezone vector hardware, and they do not provide the same feature set.
HighScoreSaves Battlezone Kit
- Free Play
- Top 10 high score and initials saving
- ROM Saver
- Adjustable attract sounds
- Menu-driven settings
- Separate score tables
- Backup and Restore
- Fast Boot and reset
- Optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support
Braze Battlezone Kit
- No Free Play
- Top 10 high score and initials saving
- ROM Saver
- Battery-free score retention
- Gold-plated machined header pins
- Score clearing through the original cabinet Self Test
Both Battlezone products save high scores and both include ROM Saver functionality. The important difference is that only the HighScoreSaves Battlezone kit adds Free Play.
Compare Battlezone High Score Save Kits
Red Baron: High Score Save and ROM Saver Without Free Play
The Braze Red Baron High Score Save Kit provides another example. This kit permanently stores the supported Top 7 Red Baron scores and player initials and includes ROM Saver functionality.
The Braze Red Baron kit does not add Free Play. It should therefore be considered a High Score Save + ROM Saver upgrade rather than a Free Play kit.
View Red Baron High Score Save Kit Information
Why the Terminology Can Be Confusing
Arcade upgrade terminology has developed over many years and products from different manufacturers do not necessarily use identical feature sets. Two products designed for the same game may both be described as high score save kits while providing very different additional functions.
For that reason, the product's actual feature list is more important than assuming functionality from a general category name.
Before Buying an Arcade Upgrade Kit
- Confirm the exact arcade game and original PCB hardware
- Check whether the kit specifically lists Free Play
- Check how many high scores and initials are saved
- Determine whether ROM Saver is included
- Verify CPU type and socket requirements
- Review installation instructions before ordering
- Check whether optional Wi-Fi or other features are available
- Do not assume two kits for the same game provide identical functions
Free Play vs. High Score Save Kit FAQ
Does every high score save kit include Free Play?
No. High score saving and Free Play are separate features. Some kits include both, while other kits provide high score saving without Free Play.
Does ROM Saver mean a kit has Free Play?
No. ROM Saver is separate from Free Play. Both the HighScoreSaves and Braze Battlezone kits include ROM Saver, but only the HighScoreSaves Battlezone kit adds Free Play.
Can a kit save high scores without changing coin operation?
Yes. The Braze Battlezone and Braze Red Baron kits are examples of high score save products that do not add Free Play.
Can a kit include both Free Play and high score saving?
Yes. The HighScoreSaves Battlezone kit is one example. It adds Free Play while also permanently saving the Top 10 scores and player initials.
How do I know which features a specific arcade kit includes?
Review the individual product description, feature list, compatibility information, and installation guide. Do not assume that every kit in a broad Free Play or High Score Save category provides exactly the same functions.
Learn More About Arcade PCB Upgrade Kits
HighScoreSaves maintains installation guides and hardware information for compatible classic arcade PCB upgrades. Reviewing these resources before purchasing can help confirm processor type, socket requirements, installation orientation, and the exact features included with a specific kit.
HighScoreSaves provides arcade upgrade information for collectors, operators, restorers, and owners maintaining compatible original classic arcade hardware.