Fairchild Channel F logo
Platform

Fairchild Channel F

Explore games and details for Fairchild Channel F.

Games:
44
Hardware models:
2

Hardware

The Fairchild Channel F is a home video game console released by Fairchild Semiconductor in November 1976. It has the distinction of being the first programmable ROM cartridge–based video game console, and the first console to use a microprocessor. It was launched as the Video Entertainment System, or VES, but when Atari released their VCS the next year, Fairchild renamed its machine. By 1977, the Fairchild Channel F had sold 250,000 units and trailed behind the VCS.

CPU
Fairchild F8 at 1.79MHz
Graphics
8 colors (either black/white or four color max. per line)
Memory
64 bytes
Media
2 kB VRAM Cartridges
Resolutions
128x64 pixels
Output
RF modulated composite video signal, cord hardwired to console
Sound
120 Hz, 500 Hz and 1 kHz beeps (can be modulated to produce different tones)

Games metadata is powered by IGDB.com (opens in a new tab) · recorded 1 Nov 2026