Bosconian Arcade PCB Upgrade Compatibility for Original Midway and Namco Hardware
Confirm whether your original Midway or Namco Bosconian arcade PCB is compatible with the HighScoreSaves Free Play and High Score Save Kit. The kit installs at the original Z80 processor location 4M while keeping your original Bosconian game PCB in service.
Choosing the Correct Bosconian Arcade PCB Upgrade
A Bosconian arcade cabinet, marquee, or game title alone does not confirm compatibility. The important consideration is the actual arcade PCB installed inside the machine and whether it matches the original hardware supported by the HighScoreSaves installation.
The HighScoreSaves Bosconian Free Play and High Score Save Kit supports original Midway and Namco Bosconian arcade PCBs. Checking the actual game board and Z80 processor location before ordering helps avoid compatibility problems with replacement, reproduction, converted, or otherwise unsupported hardware.
Original Midway and Namco Bosconian PCB Compatibility
How the Bosconian Z80 Socket Installation Works
The HighScoreSaves Bosconian kit is a Z80 daughter PCB that installs at the original main Z80 processor location 4M. The original arcade game board remains in service, and the upgrade adds its supported features directly to the original hardware.
If the original Z80 processor is already installed in a compatible 40-pin socket, the kit is a plug-in installation. If the processor is soldered directly to the PCB, it must be removed and a compatible 40-pin socket installed by a qualified arcade technician before the kit can be fitted.
The Bosconian kit also supports ROM Saver, allowing designated original program ROMs to be removed when following the appropriate installation instructions. Only the specified ROMs should be removed; do not remove original ROMs without confirming their locations and the required procedure.
Bosconian Pre-Order Compatibility Checklist
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Identify the Arcade PCB
Confirm that your cabinet contains an original Midway or Namco Bosconian arcade PCB. -
Locate the Main Z80 Processor
Identify the main Z80 processor at location 4M. Do not confuse it with the other Z80 processors used on the Bosconian hardware. -
Check for a 40-Pin Socket
Verify that the Z80 location has a compatible 40-pin socket rather than a processor soldered directly to the game board. -
Choose Your Kit Version
Select the Standard Kit for local high score saving or the Wi-Fi Enabled Kit for local saving plus supported online leaderboard features. -
Verify Any Unknown Hardware
If the PCB layout, processor location, or socket configuration does not match the supported hardware, identify the board before ordering.
Keeping Your Original Bosconian Arcade Hardware
Originally developed by Namco in 1981 and released by Midway in North America, Bosconian is a classic multidirectional arcade space shooter featuring enemy space stations, radar-guided exploration, enemy fighter formations, asteroids, mines and digitized voice warnings.
The HighScoreSaves approach keeps your original compatible Bosconian arcade PCB installed and operating. The kit is not a replacement game board, reproduction PCB, Raspberry Pi emulator, or generic multigame system.
The upgrade adds selectable Free Play, permanent Top 5 high score saving with initials, separate score tables for starting lives settings, adjustable attract sounds, score backup and restore, God Mode, ROM Saver, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support.
For the complete feature set, supported settings, included components, Standard and Wi-Fi kit versions, current pricing and ordering options, use the Bosconian product listing above.
Bosconian PCB Compatibility FAQ
Which Bosconian arcade PCBs are compatible?
The HighScoreSaves kit supports original Midway and Namco Bosconian arcade PCBs. Confirm the actual game board and main Z80 processor location 4M before ordering.
Where does the Bosconian High Score Save Kit install?
The kit installs at the main Z80 processor location 4M on the original Bosconian arcade PCB. A compatible 40-pin CPU socket is required.
Does installation require soldering?
Not when the original Z80 at location 4M is already socketed. If the Z80 processor is soldered directly to the PCB, a compatible 40-pin socket must be installed by a qualified arcade technician before the kit can be fitted.
Does the kit replace the original Bosconian arcade PCB?
No. The HighScoreSaves kit installs on the supported original Midway or Namco Bosconian arcade PCB. The original game board remains in the cabinet and continues to run the arcade game.
How many Bosconian high scores are saved?
The kit permanently saves the Top 5 high scores with player initials. Separate high score tables are maintained for each supported starting lives setting.
Can Bosconian attract sounds be adjusted?
Yes. Attract sounds can be enabled for 25%, 50% or 100% of attract screen rotations, or turned OFF completely. The kit also includes a separate gameplay attract sound option.
Does God Mode save high scores?
No. God Mode provides never-ending gameplay for practice and exploration. Scores earned while God Mode is enabled are not saved.
How do I access the Bosconian kit settings?
Hold Player 1 Start for approximately 4 seconds while turning on the arcade cabinet. The on-screen Main Menu provides access to Cabinet Settings, Savekit Settings and Bosconian Settings.
Does ROM Saver require removing all original Bosconian ROMs?
No. ROM Saver supports removal of designated original program ROMs. Only remove the ROMs identified in the appropriate Bosconian installation instructions.
Do I need Wi-Fi to save my Bosconian high scores?
No. The Standard Kit saves high scores and settings locally without requiring an internet connection. The optional Wi-Fi Enabled Kit adds supported online score uploads to Personal and Global leaderboard pages.