1976 Fairchild Channel F Videocart - The First Game Cartridge

About this Artwork

Before 1976, game consoles came with a fixed set of games, most based on the PONG video game. Jerry Lawson, of Fairchild Semiconductor and one of the few black engineers in the industry at the time, led a team of engineers (software, hardware, and industrial) and artists to develop the innovative Channel F (Fun). Building a removable cartridge was not a simple task electrically nor mechanically. The console and the cartridge had to be protected from the user. Repetitive and rough use had to be expected. The art developed for the cartridges was bold and bright, setting the standard for the evolving Game Industry. 

This artwork includes 3 elements. The art on the front is of the Fairchild ROM chip used in Fairchild's Videocarts. It has an actual Fairchild Channel F Videocart. On the back is a narrative describing the artwork and the Videocart, and the artist’s signature.

Framing: 

The artwork is framed in an 11"x14" black shadow box frame, with glass. All framing materials are acid-free. A narrative about the artwork that includes the artist’s signature is placed on the back of the artwork.

Please note:  The look of the artifacts in the artworks may vary, each piece is unique. The game title in the photographs is on the one you will receive.