r/ChannelF

238 archived posts · Dec 2013 – Aug 2026

Channel F: For Fun

r/ChannelF

The first "programmable" video game console was released in 1976 by Fairchild Semiconductor. It is known as the Channel F.

Created Dec 26, 2013

373Members (last snapshot)

238Archived posts

##About Channel F##

Released in 1976, Channel F was the first ever video game console to be "programmable," or in other words, accept cartridges. It was originally called "Video Entertainment System." When Atari launched their console the next year, they named it "Video Computer System." In response, Fairchild changed the name of their system to Channel F, as if playing the console was a whole other television channel. The "F" stands for "fun."

It's an excellent machine, but couldn't stand up to Atari's marketing or name recognition. It received no third party support. Fairchild quickly sold the console and games to Zircon, which marketed it until 1982.

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