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Series II: Fairchild, 1972-1993

 Series

Scope and Content Note

This series contains materials related to the Fairchild Channel F game console (designed by Lawson), and its follow-up, the Channel F System II. Items of note are an oversized schematic drawing of the Channel F console casing, function specifications for Videocart cartridge games, and a copy of the patent issued for the Channel F game controllers. In addition to business-related materials, this series includes copies of court records documenting Lawson’s testimony in a 1993 lawsuit between Fairchild Semiconductor and Nintendo.

Folder 10 houses a 1979 proposal from MCL Electronics describing the POW system, ultimately used for the interactive television game show TV POWWW. (Contestants watching a video game on their television screen at home would call in and control the game play, indicating when the weapon on-screen should fire by saying “Pow!”) Stations airing the program, which began in 1978, were originally supplied with a Channel F console.

The International Center for the History of Electronic Games (ICHEG) at The Strong also holds three generations of Fairchild Channel F prototype printed circuit boards, along with Channel F and Channel F System II game consoles owned by Lawson. ICHEG also has numerous Channel F Videocart game cartridges and prototype cartridges.

Dates

  • Creation: 1972-1993

Creator

Extent

From the Collection: 1 Linear Feet (2 boxes, 1 oversized folder)

Language of Materials

English

Repository Details

Part of the Brian Sutton-Smith Library and Archives of Play at The Strong Repository

Contact:
The Strong
One Manhattan Square
Rochester NY 14607 USA
585.263.2700
585.423.1886 (Fax)