What Is ROM Saver on a Classic Arcade PCB Upgrade Kit?

By HighScoreSaves Technical Team

Reviewed and updated August 18, 2026

ROM Saver is a feature on select classic arcade PCB upgrade kits that allows specified original program ROMs to be removed from active use while the upgrade hardware provides the required game program data.

The original arcade PCB remains in the cabinet and continues to provide the game-specific hardware, but certain original program ROMs identified by the kit instructions may no longer need to remain installed while the upgrade is in use.

This guide explains what ROM Saver means, why it can be useful for preservation, which ROMs may be involved, how to store removed originals safely, and why the exact product page and game-specific installation guide must always be followed.

ROM Saver at a Glance

ROM Saver is available only on kits specifically designed to provide it.
It can allow certain original program ROMs to be removed from active service.
The upgrade hardware supplies the required program data for the supported configuration.
The original arcade PCB remains the primary game hardware.
Only ROMs specifically identified by the installation guide should be removed.
ROM location and Pin 1 orientation should be photographed before removal.
Removed original ROMs should be labeled and stored in anti-static packaging.
ROM Saver does not mean every ROM or chip on the PCB can be removed.
The product page and game-specific installation guide are the final authority.

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What Does ROM Saver Mean?

In a HighScoreSaves upgrade kit, ROM Saver refers to a design that can supply the required program information without depending on certain original program ROM chips remaining installed in their original PCB sockets.

When the exact kit supports this feature, the installation guide identifies which original program ROMs can be removed. Those ROMs can then be labeled and stored rather than remaining in continuous service on the arcade PCB.

ROM Saver is not a universal term meaning that every memory device on the board becomes unnecessary. It applies only to the specific program ROM positions and supported hardware identified for that kit.

What Do the Original Program ROMs Do?

Program ROMs contain game code and other fixed program data used by the original arcade hardware. Depending on the board design and game, that program information may be distributed across several ROM or EPROM devices.

The CPU reads this program information while the game is running. Different game revisions, regional versions, authorized updates, conversions, or modified software can sometimes be identified by the ROM labels and the positions where those ROMs are installed.

This is why original ROM labels and board locations should be documented before any chips are removed.

How ROM Saver Works with an Upgrade Kit

On a ROM Saver-capable design, the daughterboard or associated upgrade circuitry contains the program data needed for the supported configuration. The kit interfaces with the original arcade PCB so the game can operate without relying on the specified original program ROMs in their original sockets.

The exact implementation varies by game. Some kits may replace the function of multiple original program ROMs, while others may affect only particular ROM positions.

Because the circuitry and memory map differ between arcade platforms, ROM Saver support must be engineered for the exact original PCB rather than assumed from one game to another.

The Original Arcade PCB Still Remains in Use

ROM Saver does not replace the original arcade PCB with a modern emulation platform. The original board remains installed and continues to provide the game-specific video, audio, timing, controls, memory, custom logic, and other hardware required by the game.

On many HighScoreSaves kits, the original CPU is also retained and moved from the original PCB socket to the upgrade daughterboard. The daughterboard then installs into the original CPU location.

ROM Saver therefore changes how certain program data is supplied while preserving the original PCB as the foundation of the arcade game.

Which ROMs Should Be Removed?

Remove only the ROMs specifically identified by the game-specific installation guide. Do not remove additional chips because they appear similar or because another arcade kit uses a different ROM Saver arrangement.

A classic arcade PCB can contain program ROMs, graphics ROMs, sound ROMs, PROMs, memory devices, custom chips, and other integrated circuits that may look similar from above but perform different functions.

The installation guide identifies the exact locations involved. If a ROM position, label, or board revision does not match the guide, stop and confirm compatibility before removing anything.

Why ROM Saver Can Help Preserve Original Hardware

Original program ROMs are part of the historical hardware configuration of a classic arcade PCB. Some boards still contain factory ROMs or older EPROMs that have remained in service for decades.

When a supported ROM Saver kit allows those program devices to be removed, the originals can be stored safely rather than remaining installed during routine cabinet operation.

This does not guarantee that an old ROM will never fail, but it gives the owner the option to preserve the original devices and their labels as part of the board's original configuration.

Before Removing Any Original ROM

Disconnect cabinet power before touching the arcade PCB or removing any socketed component. Never remove or reinstall a ROM while the board is powered.

Photograph the complete PCB and then take close-up photos showing each ROM label, board-location marking, socket, and Pin 1 orientation. These photos provide a reference if the original configuration is restored later.

Remove each ROM evenly and carefully so its pins are not bent. Do not pry aggressively from only one end or allow the chip to twist sharply in the socket.

If a ROM is difficult to remove, the socket is damaged, or the chip pins appear corroded, stop rather than forcing the component.

How to Store Removed Original ROMs

Keep removed ROMs with the arcade PCB rather than mixing them with loose parts from other games. Label each device by game and original PCB location before storage.

Store the chips in appropriate anti-static packaging in a clean, dry location where the pins will not be bent or crushed. Avoid loose storage in a cabinet bottom, parts drawer, or container where the devices can move against metal objects.

Preserve the original labels. Do not remove factory labels or handwritten identifiers simply to make the devices look uniform.

If multiple ROMs are removed, keeping a printed or digital copy of the installation photos with the stored parts can make future restoration much easier.

Restoring the Original PCB Configuration

If the upgrade kit is removed later, the original ROMs can be returned to their correct sockets when the original configuration requires them.

Use the photographs and labels made before removal to confirm the correct ROM location and Pin 1 orientation. Inspect every ROM pin before reinsertion and make sure no pin is folded underneath the chip or sitting outside the socket.

Restore all other components changed by the kit exactly as required for the original PCB before applying power.

ROM Saver on Multigame Upgrade Kits

Some multigame upgrades use the daughterboard to provide multiple supported game programs or versions on one original arcade hardware platform. In these designs, ROM Saver can be part of the way the kit supplies the required program data without depending on the original program ROM set for each selectable game.

The original PCB is still required and remains responsible for the supported hardware environment. The daughterboard adds the program-selection and upgrade functions designed for that platform.

Included games, separate score tables, boot behavior, ROM-removal requirements, and other multigame features vary by product.

ROM Saver Is Not Universal

Not every HighScoreSaves kit includes ROM Saver, and not every original arcade PCB can use the same approach. Program memory layouts, processor arrangements, address decoding, ROM types, and board revisions differ between games.

A kit that supports ROM Saver on one game does not establish that ROMs should be removed on another game. Even two versions of the same arcade title can have hardware or ROM differences that matter.

If the product page or installation guide does not instruct you to remove a ROM, leave it installed.

ROM Saver Does Not Repair a Faulty Original PCB

Removing specified original program ROMs does not repair unrelated faults elsewhere on the arcade PCB. Bad RAM, damaged sockets, power problems, corroded connectors, failed logic, broken traces, or other original-hardware issues can still prevent the game from operating correctly.

The original PCB should be stable and compatible before the upgrade is installed.

ROM Saver Checklist Before Power-Up

The exact arcade PCB and upgrade kit have been confirmed.
The product page states that the kit supports ROM Saver when applicable.
Only ROMs identified by the game-specific installation guide were removed.
The original ROM labels and PCB locations were photographed before removal.
Removed ROM pins are straight and undamaged.
Removed ROMs are labeled by game and original socket location.
Original ROMs are stored in appropriate anti-static packaging.
The daughterboard, CPU, adapters, and all required connections are correctly installed.
Pin 1 orientation has been verified everywhere required.
No additional ROMs or chips were removed without instructions.
The completed installation matches the game-specific installation guide before power is restored.

Product Pages and Installation Guides Are the Final Authority

ROM Saver support, original ROM locations, supported PCB revisions, CPU requirements, adapter use, multigame behavior, and installation steps vary by kit.

Always use the specific HighScoreSaves product page and game-specific installation guide for the exact kit being installed. Those instructions are the final authority for compatibility, ROM removal, and installation.

Technical Support

If you are unsure which ROMs should be removed, whether the kit supports ROM Saver, or whether your PCB and ROM set match the installation guide, stop before removing components or applying power.

Email is the preferred support method. Contact sales@highscoresaves.com and include the game title, kit name, a complete PCB photo, and clear close-ups of the ROM labels, board locations, CPU area, and any previous modifications.

ROM Saver is a game-specific feature on select arcade upgrade kits. Remove only the original program ROMs specifically identified by the product instructions, document their locations and orientation, and store removed originals safely for future restoration.