Skip to main content Skip to search Skip to main navigation

Vanguard Free Play and High Score Save Kits

Download Vanguard Install Guide (PDF)

Upgrade Your Vanguard Arcade Experience

Bring modern convenience to your original Vanguard arcade hardware with our collection of Vanguard Free Play and High Score Save Kits. These plug-and-play upgrades add reliable high score saving, Free Play functionality, and an on-screen settings menu while preserving the fast-paced multi-directional shooter gameplay that makes Vanguard a standout classic.

Related Arcade Kits You May Also Like:
Time Pilot | Tempest | Space Duel | Gorf | Gravitar

View Global Wi-Fi High Scores

Vanguard Free Play and High Score Save Kit

Average rating of 5 out of 5 stars

Vanguard Free Play and High Score Save Kit

Customize Your Vanguard Free Play and High Score Save Kit Build your kit exactly how you want it. Choose a Wi-Fi Enabled Kit or a Standard Save Kit. You can also add a processor and/or a 40-pin socket—optional but recommended for easy installation. Learn More About This Kit Click a button to view details, tips, or the installation guide. Main Features Easy install — No soldering, board modifications, or special wiring. Just plug in and go. Save your scores forever — Uses reliable serial EEPROM (no failure-prone NVRAM or batteries). High Score Save — Stores the Top 5 scores. Initials entry — Enter 3 characters like the original game. Freeplay — No more coins or opening the coin door. Coin Up — Supports quarters or tokens if desired. Attract Mode — Minimizes screen burn and static imagery. Copyright message — Choose original manufacturer or Highscoresaves. On-screen DIP settings — Change dips via menu; no cabinet pull-out required. ROM Saver — Remove original program ROMs; the kit contains the program. Cabinet support — Works in Upright and Cocktail cabinets. Additional Features Backup and Restore — Back up and restore scores (great before/after events). Reset Button — Restart without powering off (enable in menu). Separate score tables — HSS tables for 2, 3, 4, or 5 lives. Fast boot — No long initialization wait. Stealth Mode — Boots straight to the game. God Mode — Go man… GO! Shooting mode — Choose 1-button or 4-button firing (separate score tables for each). Important Installation Notes Ensure your 6502 CPU is socketed; if not, install a 40-pin socket for the kit to work. Read the Installation Guide (PDF) before you install. FAQ Is installation truly plug-and-play? Yes. No soldering or board mods are required. Make sure your 6502 is socketed (or add a 40-pin socket). What's the difference between Wi-Fi and Standard kits? The Wi-Fi kit uploads and views scores online through your personal webpage; the Standard kit saves locally only. How many scores are saved? The Vanguard kit stores the Top 5 scores and supports initials entry. Does it support both coin play and Freeplay? Yes. Use Freeplay or continue to accept coins/tokens. Are there separate score tables for different lives? Yes. High-score tables for 2, 3, 4, and 5 lives. Can I back up or restore high scores? Yes. Use Backup/Restore to save scores before events and restore them afterward. How does the Reset Button work? Enable it in the menu; then restart without power-cycling. Does it support 1-button and 4-button shooting? Yes. Choose between 1-button and 4-button fire modes. Each gets its own HSS table. Will it work in my cabinet? Fully compatible with both Upright and Cocktail Vanguard cabinets. Where can I download the installation guide? Vanguard Installation Guide (PDF) Resources Vanguard — Installation Guide (PDF) HighScoreSaves YouTube Channel — Installation Tips HighScoreSaves Facebook Page HighScoreSaves eBay Store

Regular price: From $66.00

Details and Benefits

The Vanguard Free Play and High Score Save Kit is engineered for original arcade hardware to improve score retention, simplify resets, and enhance overall play convenience. This kit delivers modern stability while preserving the classic multi-directional shooter experience that defines Vanguard.

What This Kit Adds

  • Free Play support — Enable coin-free play while still supporting traditional coin operation
  • Reliable high score saving — Permanent storage of high scores using non-volatile memory
  • On-screen settings menu — Adjust gameplay and kit options without opening the cabinet
  • Monitor-friendly attract behavior — Helps reduce static attract screen burn-in
  • Cabinet compatibility — Works with Upright arcade cabinets

Advanced Features

  • High score backup and restore — Save and reload score data as needed
  • Separate score tables — Independent high score tables based on configuration settings
  • Optional Wi-Fi support — Upload and sync high scores online

Important Installation Notes

This kit requires a compatible socketed CPU. Always review the installation guide prior to beginning to ensure correct setup and reliable operation.

Optional Wi-Fi enabled versions allow scores to be uploaded online and synced to your personal player page in addition to local high score saving on the PCB.