Category Archives: Jerry Lawson

Photo of Jerry Lawson, inventor of the Channel F home video game console 1976

Jerry Lawson, of Channel F Fame, Dies at 71

Word is coming out that Jerry Lawson has died. He is known as the inventor of the Channel F home video game console for Fairchild Instrument, and with it introduced the concept of the “programmable” console, or one that takes game cartridges. Before the Channel F, users had to be resigned to playing the games that were built into their video game units. With the console Lawson designed, they could have, at least theoretically, an endless number of games to play.

Channel F with the cover on, a home video game console by Fairchild 1976

Channel F, with smoked-plastic cover

For more information on pioneer Jerry Lawson and the Channel F, consult your local The Dot Eaters article here.