Compare Popeye High Score Save Kits for Original Nintendo Hardware
Choose between two Free Play and High Score Save Kit options for a compatible original Nintendo Popeye arcade PCB. Both kits add permanent, battery-free storage for the Top 5 scores and player initials while preserving the original Popeye gameplay, controls, graphics, sound, and arcade hardware.
Both kits install through the Z80 CPU socket. No soldering is required when the processor is already installed in a compatible socket. If the Z80 is soldered directly to the PCB, a qualified arcade technician must install a compatible 40-pin socket before either kit can be used.
HighScoreSaves Popeye Kit
Designed for players who want attract sounds, separate score tables, backup and restore, menu-driven settings, self-test access, ROM Saver, and optional online leaderboard support.
- Free Play with normal coin operation retained
- Permanent Top 5 scores and player initials
- Selectable attract sounds on or off
- Menu-driven game and DIP-switch settings
- Separate score tables for supported two-, three-, and four-life settings
- Score backup and restore
- Software reset function
- Self-test access through the menu
- ROM Saver functionality
- Optional 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi leaderboard support
Braze Popeye Kit
Manufactured by Braze Technologies for customers seeking enhanced Free Play, permanent score saving, improved test-mode functions, high score clearing, and a power-on self-test.
- Enhanced Free Play with the full standard attract mode retained
- Permanent Top 5 scores and player initials
- Battery-free score storage
- Improved test mode with clearer DIP-switch verification
- On-screen high score clearing through Popeye test mode
- Brief power-on self-test at each startup
- Uses the original Nintendo Z80 processor
If the Z80 is soldered directly to the board, a qualified arcade technician must remove it and install a compatible 40-pin socket before either kit can be used. Review the installation guide for the exact kit you are considering before removing the processor or installing the daughterboard.
Details and Benefits
Both Popeye kits add Free Play and permanent battery-free storage of the Top 5 scores and player initials to compatible original Nintendo Popeye arcade hardware. Both continue to use the original arcade PCB, Z80 processor, controls, graphics, sound, and gameplay.
The primary differences are attract sounds, separate score tables, score backup and restore, software reset, test-mode functions, ROM Saver functionality, power-on diagnostics, and optional Wi-Fi support.
HighScoreSaves and Braze Popeye Kit Comparison
| Feature | HighScoreSaves Popeye Kit | Braze Popeye Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | HighScoreSaves | Braze Technologies |
| Free Play | Yes, with normal coin and token operation retained | Enhanced Free Play with the full standard attract mode retained |
| Permanent score saving | Top 5 scores and player initials | Top 5 scores and player initials |
| Backup battery required | No | No |
| Attract sounds | Selectable on or off | Adjustable attract sounds are not listed as a kit feature |
| Menu-driven settings | Supported game and DIP-switch settings | Uses the improved Popeye test mode for supported settings |
| Separate score tables | Separate tables for supported two-, three-, and four-life settings | Multiple score tables are not listed as a kit feature |
| Score backup and restore | Included | Not listed as a kit feature |
| Software reset | Included | Not listed as a kit feature |
| Self-test and diagnostics | Self-test access through the kit menu or documented DIP-switch positions | Improved test mode and brief power-on self-test |
| High score clearing | Score table reset through the kit menu | Cleared through Popeye test mode using on-screen instructions |
| Attract-screen options | Supported attract-mode protection and sound settings | Full standard attract sequence remains active during Free Play |
| ROM Saver | Included | Not listed as a kit feature |
| Optional Wi-Fi leaderboard | Available | Not offered with this product |
Choose the HighScoreSaves Popeye Kit If You Want
- Selectable attract sounds
- Separate score tables for supported lives settings
- Score backup and restore
- Menu-driven game and DIP-switch settings
- Software reset without cycling cabinet power
- Self-test access through the kit menu
- ROM Saver functionality
- Optional 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi leaderboard support
View HighScoreSaves Popeye Kit
Choose the Braze Popeye Kit If You Want
- Enhanced Free Play with the full standard attract mode retained
- Permanent storage of the Top 5 scores and player initials
- Battery-free score retention
- Improved Popeye test mode
- Clearer DIP-switch verification
- High score clearing through on-screen test-mode instructions
- A brief power-on self-test at each startup
Important Installation Notes
Both kits are intended for compatible original Nintendo Popeye arcade hardware and install through the Z80 CPU socket.
The Z80 processor must already be installed in a compatible 40-pin socket. If the processor is soldered directly to the PCB, a qualified arcade technician must remove it and install the correct socket before either kit can be used.
During installation, the Z80 processor is removed from the Nintendo PCB, installed on the selected daughterboard, and then returned to the original CPU location as part of the assembled kit.
Review the installation guide for the specific product before ordering. These kits are intended for compatible original Nintendo Popeye hardware, not emulation systems, generic multicade boards, or unsupported reproduction PCBs.
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