The Fairchild Channel F, short for “Channel Fun”, is a home video game console, the first to be based on a microprocessor and to use ROM cartridges (branded “Videocarts”) instead of having games built in. It was released by Fairchild Camera and Instrument in November 1976 across North America at a retail price of $169.95 (US) (equivalent to $960 in 2025). It was launched as the “Video Entertainment System”, but Fairchild rebranded their console as “Channel F” the next year while keeping the Video Entertainment System descriptor.
The Fairchild Channel F sold only about 350,000 units before Fairchild sold the technology to Zircon International in 1979, trailing well behind the Atari VCS. The system was discontinued in 1983.
