The Fairchild Channel F, released in 1976, was the first video game console to use interchangeable cartridges, revolutionizing the gaming industry. De... The Fairchild Channel F, released in 1976, was the first video game console to use interchangeable cartridges, revolutionizing the gaming industry. Developed by Fairchild Semiconductor, it featured a custom CPU (the F8 microprocessor) and introduced a simple joystick-style controller. Its library included educational games, sports, and simple action titles. While technologically innovative, it was soon overshadowed by competitors like the Atari 2600. The Channel F's legacy lies in pioneering the concept of cartridge-based gaming, a standard that defined the industry for decades. Expand