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Arcadious > Platforms > Fairchild VES & Channel F
Fairchild VES & Channel F
1976 - 2nd generation system
The Fairchild VES, also known as the Fairchild Channel F, is a home video game console developed by Fairchild Semiconductor in 1976. It was one of the first home consoles to use programmable ROM cartridges, allowing players to change games without buying a new console. The Fairchild VES featured a Fairchild F8 CPU and it came with 2 KB of RAM. The console had a built-in controller with a joystick and a button, and it used a RF modulator to connect to a TV. The Fairchild VES had a resolution of 128x64 pixels and could display 8 colors. The Fairchild VES was the first console to use programmable ROM cartridges, which allowed players to change games without buying a new console. The console had a relatively small library of games available, but it was expanded through the use of cartridges. The games that were available for the Fairchild VES were primarily focused on arcade-style gameplay and were designed to provide a fun and entertaining experience for the players. The Fairchild VES was not a commercial success, it faced intense competition from other home consoles of the time such as Atari and Magnavox. Fairchild Semiconductor stopped producing the Fairchild VES in 1979 and it is now considered a collector's item and is highly sought after by enthusiasts and retro gaming enthusiasts. Due to the limited release of the console, the games and software for the Fairchild VES are relatively scarce and hard to find. The Fairchild VES had a relatively small library of games available, but it was expanded through the use of programmable ROM cartridges. Some examples of games for the Fairchild VES include: Video Chess: a chess game that was one of the most popular games for the Fairchild VES Alien Invasion: a space shooter game Demolition Derby: a racing game where the objective is to destroy other cars Blackjack/Poker: a casino game where the player can play blackjack or poker Space War: a simple space shooter game Slot Machine: a slot machine game Hangman: a word guessing game These games were primarily focused on arcade-style gameplay and were designed to provide a fun and entertaining experience for the players. Due to the limited release of the console, the games and software for the Fairchild VES are relatively scarce and hard to find.