Jerry Lawson, inventor of the Fairchild Channel F, passed away on Saturday due to unknown causes. Lawson, 71, was the first to use interchangeable game cartridges with the debut of the Channel F video game console. Prior to the Channel F, video game systems were limited to the games built into the them, greatly restricting the “life” of a console. Lawson was recently recognized by the International Game Developers Association at GDC last month for his pioneering efforts.

Vintage Computing and Gaming has a lengthy interview with Mr. Lawson which you can find here if you want to learn more about the man behind the video game cartridge.

Video Game Pioneer Jerry Lawson Dies [1up]

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