Vanguard Free Play and High Score Save Kits

Vanguard Free Play and High Score Save Kit

Vanguard Free Play and High Score Save Kit for SNK Arcade PCB Upgrade your original Vanguard arcade PCB with reliable free play, high score saving, advanced firing modes, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard functionality while preserving authentic gameplay and original arcade hardware. Designed specifically for original SNK hardware, this plug and play upgrade improves long-term reliability without changing gameplay timing, controls, sound, or the classic arcade experience collectors expect. Original Arcade Hardware • No Emulation • No Gameplay Changes • Designed for Authentic Arcade PCBs View Install Guide Free Play Play without coins while retaining optional coin operation. High Score Saving Stores the Top 5 scores with original-style initials entry. Shooting Modes Supports both 1-button and 4-button firing modes. Optional Wi-Fi Upload scores online to global arcade leaderboards. Upgrade Your Vanguard Arcade Experience Restore and enhance your original Vanguard arcade machine with a professionally designed Free Play and High Score Save Kit built specifically for authentic SNK arcade hardware. Original boards often lose high scores, rely on aging components, or suffer from unstable resets. This upgrade modernizes your PCB while preserving the original gameplay, controls, timing, and arcade feel that made Vanguard one of the most recognizable scrolling shooters of the early arcade era. Unlike multigame systems or reproduction boards, this kit keeps your original arcade PCB intact while improving long-term reliability for collectors, operators, and restoration projects. Important Installation Notes Socketed 6502 required: Install a 40-pin socket if your CPU is soldered directly to the PCB ROM Saver support: Original program ROMs can optionally be removed Read the Vanguard Installation Guide before installation Included Features Easy Installation: No soldering, board modifications, or special wiring required Permanent Score Saving: Reliable serial EEPROM storage instead of batteries or NVRAM High Score Save: Stores the Top 5 scores Initials Entry: Enter 3-character initials like the original arcade game Freeplay Mode: No more coins or opening the coin door Coin-Up Support: Continue using quarters or tokens if desired Attract Mode Protection: Helps minimize static images and screen burn Copyright Message: Choose original manufacturer or HighScoreSaves branding On-Screen DIP Settings: Change settings directly from the menu system ROM Saver: Remove original program ROMs since the kit contains the program Cabinet Compatibility: Works in Upright and Cocktail cabinets Backup and Restore: Save and restore high scores anytime Reset Button: Restart instantly without powering off Separate Score Tables: Supports separate tables for 2, 3, 4, or 5 lives Fast Boot: No long initialization waits Stealth Mode: Boots directly into gameplay mode God Mode: Additional enhanced gameplay option included Shooting Modes: Choose between 1-button or 4-button firing modes Independent Leaderboards: Separate high score tables for each shooting mode Installation Information Installation Difficulty: Easy Soldering Required: No, if CPU is socketed Processor Requirement: Requires a 6502 processor Socketed CPU Required: Install a 40-pin socket if needed Cabinet Compatibility: Upright and Cocktail supported Installation Guide: Download PDF Installation Guide Optional Wi-Fi Features and Online Leaderboards Learn About Wi-Fi Enabled Kits Upgrade to a Wi-Fi Enabled Kit to upload scores online and compete against players around the world, locally within your arcade, or across your own connected cabinet network. Standard kits save scores locally to the PCB, while Wi-Fi kits add automatic online score syncing through the HighScoreSaves global leaderboard platform. View Global Arcade High Scores Vanguard Free Play and High Score Save Kit FAQ Is installation truly plug-and-play? Yes. No soldering or board modifications are required if your 6502 processor is already socketed. What's the difference between Wi-Fi and Standard kits? Wi-Fi kits upload and view scores online while Standard kits save scores 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 accepting coins and tokens. Are there separate score tables for different lives? Yes. Separate high-score tables are supported for 2, 3, 4, and 5 lives. Can I back up or restore high scores? Yes. Backup and Restore functionality is included for saving scores before and after events. How does the Reset Button work? Enable Reset in the menu system to restart the game without power cycling the cabinet. Does it support 1-button and 4-button shooting? Yes. Choose between 1-button and 4-button firing modes, each with separate high score tables. Will it work in my cabinet? Fully compatible with Upright and Cocktail Vanguard cabinets. Where can I download the installation guide? Vanguard Installation Guide PDF Designed and supported by HighScoreSaves for arcade collectors, restorers, and original hardware enthusiasts. Resources 1. Vanguard Installation Guide PDF 2. Setup Tips and Configuration Guide 3. HighScoreSaves YouTube Channel 4. HighScoreSaves Facebook Page 5. HighScoreSaves eBay Store