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Template:Short description Template:Redirect Template:Use mdy dates Template:Infobox storage medium Template:Optical disc authoring The Compact Disc-Interactive (CD-I, later CD-i) is a digital optical disc data storage format as well as a hardware platform, co-developed and marketed by Dutch company Philips and Japanese company Sony. It was created as an extension of CDDA and CD-ROM and specified in the Green Book specifications, co-developed by Philips and Sony, to combine audio, text and graphics.<ref name="philipscdi.com">Template:Cite web</ref> The two companies initially expected to impact the education/training, point of sale, and home entertainment industries,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> but the CD-i is largely remembered today for its video games.

CD-i media physically have the same dimensions as CD, but with up to Template:Val of digital data storage, including up to 72 minutes of full motion video.<ref name="Optical Disc Technology">Template:Cite webTemplate:Cbignore</ref> CD-i players were usually standalone boxes that connect to a standard television; some less common setups included integrated CD-i television sets and expansion modules for personal computers.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Most players were created by Philips; the format was licensed by Philips and Microware for use by other manufacturers, notably Sony who released professional CD-i players under the "Intelligent Discman" brand. Unlike CD-ROM drives, CD-i players are complete computer systems centered around dedicated Motorola 68000-based microprocessors and its own operating system called CD-RTOS, which is an acronym for "Compact Disc – Real Time Operating System".<ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Cbignore</ref><ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Cbignore</ref><ref name="gamefaqs.gamespot.com">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Cbignore</ref>

Media released on the format included video games and "edutainment" and multimedia reference titles, such as interactive encyclopedias and museum tours – which were popular before public Internet access was widespread – as well as business software.<ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Cbignore</ref> Philips's CD-i system also implemented Internet features, including subscriptions, web browsing, downloading, e-mail, and online play.<ref>Template:Cite newsTemplate:Cbignore</ref> Philips's aim with its players was to introduce interactive multimedia content for the general public by combining features of a CD player and game console,<ref name="Optical Disc Technology"/> but at a lower price than a personal computer with a CD-ROM drive.

Authoring kits for the format were released first in 1988, and the first player aimed for home consumers, Philips's CDI 910/205, was released in late 1991. It was initially priced around Template:US$,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and was capable of playing interactive CD-i discs, Audio CDs, CD+G (CD+Graphics), Photo CDs and Video CDs (VCDs), though the latter required an optional "Digital Video Card" to provide MPEG-1 decoding. Initially marketed to consumers as "home entertainment systems", and in later years as a "gaming platform",<ref name="philipscdi.com"/> CD-i did not manage to find enough success in the market, and was mostly abandoned by Philips in 1996.<ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Cbignore</ref><ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Cbignore</ref> The format continued to be supported for licensees for a few more years after.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Specifications

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Development of the "Compact Disc-Interactive" format began in 1984 (two years after the launch of the Compact Disc) and it was first publicly announced by Philips and Sony – two of the largest electronics companies of the time – at Microsoft's CD-ROM Conference in Seattle in March 1986.<ref name="New Computer Express 086">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>(2005). History of the Philips CD-i Template:Webarchive, Philipscdi.com.</ref><ref name="Cole1996">Template:Cite news</ref> Microsoft's CEO Bill Gates had no idea beforehand that the format was under development.<ref name="dvorak.org">Template:Cite web</ref> The Green Book, formally known as the "CD-i Full Functional Specification", defined the format for interactive, multimedia compact discs designed for CD-i players. The Green Book specification also defines a whole hardware set built around the Motorola 68000 microprocessor family, and an operating system called CD-RTOS based on OS-9, a product of Microware.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> The standard was originally not freely available and had to be licensed from Philips.<ref name="greenbook">Template:Cite web</ref> However, the 1994 version of the standard was eventually made available free by Philips.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

CD-i discs conform to the Red Book specification of audio CDs (CD-DA). Tracks on a CD-i's program area can be CD-DA tracks or CD-i tracks, but the first track must always be a CD-i track, and all CD-i tracks must be grouped together at the beginning of the area. CD-i tracks are structured according to the CD-ROM XA specification (using either Mode 2 Form 1 or Mode 2 Form 2 modes), and have different classes depending on their contents ("data", "video", "audio", "empty" and "message"). "Message" sectors contain audio data to warn users of CD players that the track they are trying to listen to is a CD-i track and not a CD-DA track.<ref name="greenbook" /> The CD-i specification also specifies a file system similar to (but not compatible with) ISO 9660 to be used on CD-i tracks, as well as certain specific files that are required to be present in a CD-i compatible disc.<ref name="greenbook" /> Compared to the Yellow Book (specification for CD-ROM), the Green Book CD-i standard solves synchronisation problems by interleaving audio and video information on a single track.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The format quickly gained interest from large manufacturers, and received backing from many particularly Matsushita.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Although a joint effort, Philips eventually took over the majority of CD-i development at the expense of Sony.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Philips invested many millions in developing titles and players based on the CD-i specification.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Initially branded "CD-I", the name was changed in 1991 to "CD-i" with a lowercase i.

The CD-i Ready format is a type of bridge format, also designed by Philips, that defines discs compatible with CD Digital audio players and CD-i players. This format puts CD-i software and data into the pregap of Track 1.

The CD-i Bridge format, defined in Philips' White Book, is a transitional format allowing bridge discs to be played both on CD-ROM drives and on CD-i players.

The CD-i Digital Video format was launched in 1993 containing movies that could be played on CD-i players with a Digital Video Cartridge add-on. The format was incompatible with Video CD (VCD), although a CD-i unit with the DVC could play both formats. Only about 20 movies were released on the format and it was stopped in 1995 in favor of VCD.<ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Cbignore</ref>

Commercial software

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Template:See also

File:Philips-CDi-220-Console-BR.jpg
Some games required the optional MPEG cartridge, typically inserted into the back of the system (behind the red panel pictured)
File:Philips-CDi-Digital-Video-Cartridge-1.jpg
The optional MPEG cartridge, branded as the Digital Video Cartridge

CD-i software was typically developed using authoring tools from one of two companies: OptImage, which offered the Balboa Runtime Libraries and MediaMogul, and Script Systems, which produced ABCD-I. Much of the CD-i software was promoted or published by American Interactive Media (AIM), a joint venture between Philips and its subsidiary PolyGram, formed in Los Angeles in 1986 to publish CD-i consumer software.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Cbignore</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Philips Interactive Media was similarly launched in Europe.

Philips initially marketed CD-i as a family entertainment product and avoided emphasizing video games to prevent competition with game consoles.<ref name="cgw199401">Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Early releases focused on educational, music, and self-improvement titles, with relatively few games, many of which were adaptations of board games such as Connect Four. However, the system struggled in the multimedia device market against low-cost PCs,<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> and games became its best-selling software. By 1993, Philips encouraged MS-DOS and console developers to create games, introduced a $250 peripheral with expanded memory and full-motion video support, and added a second controller port to new consoles for multiplayer games.Template:R

Attempts to establish a foothold in the games market were largely unsuccessful, as the system, designed primarily as a multimedia player, was underpowered compared to other gaming platforms.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> Notable CD-i games included entries in Nintendo franchises, though not developed by Nintendo: Hotel Mario and three Zelda titles: Zelda: The Wand of Gamelon, Link: The Faces of Evil, and Zelda's Adventure. These were made possible by an earlier agreement between Nintendo and Philips to develop a CD-based add-on for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, which never progressed beyond the prototype stage.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> However, the agreement granted Philips the right to develop games using Nintendo characters.<ref name="Jumping">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

As announced at CES 1992,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> numerous full-motion video titles appeared, including Dragon's Lair and Mad Dog McCree. One, Burn:Cycle, is considered one of the stronger CD-i titles and was later ported to PC. Electronic Gaming Monthly noted that CD-i’s full-motion video capabilities were its strongest feature; however, most titles required the MPEG upgrade card to take advantage of them.<ref name="EGM55">Template:Cite magazine</ref>

Philips also released CD-i adaptations of popular TV game shows, including Jeopardy! (hosted by Alex Trebek), Name That Tune (hosted by Bob Goen), and two versions of The Joker's Wild (an adult version with Wink Martindale and a kids' version with Marc Summers). All North American CD-i games, except Name That Tune, featured Charlie O'Donnell as announcer. The Netherlands released its own version of Lingo in 1994.

In 1993, American musician Todd Rundgren created the first fully interactive music CD, No World Order, for CD-i, enabling over 15,000 points of customization. Dutch Eurodance duo 2 Unlimited released a CD-i compilation album, Beyond Limits (1994), featuring standard CD tracks and CD-i-exclusive media.<ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Cbignore</ref><ref name=CDiMagazine>Template:Cite web</ref>

CD-i featured a range of children's edutainment titles, including Busytown and The Berenstain Bears. By mid-1996, the U.S. CD-i software market had dried up, though Philips continued publishing titles in Europe.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> Philips then shifted focus to kiosk and industrial multimedia applications.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In later years, homebrew developers released new CD-i titles, including Frog Feast (2005), Super Quartet (2018), and Nobelia (2022).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Player models

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CD-i compatible models were released (as of April 1995) in the U.S., Canada, Benelux, France, Germany, the UK, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and former European Eastern Bloc. It was reported to be released further in Brazil, India and Australia in the "coming months", with plans to also introduce it in China, South Africa, Indonesia and the Philippines.<ref name="Billboard">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Philips models

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Template:Infobox information appliance In addition to consumer models, professional and development players were sold by Philips Interactive Media Systems and their VARs. The first CD-i system was produced by Philips in collaboration with Kyocera in 1988 – the Philips 180/181/182 modular system.<ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Cbignore</ref><ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Cbignore</ref> Philips marketed several CD-i player models as shown below.<ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Cbignore</ref>

  • The CD-i player 100 series, which consisted of the three-unit 180/181/182 professional system, first demonstrated at the CD-ROM Conference in March 1988.
  • The CD-i player 200 series, which includes the 205, 210, and 220 models. Models in the 200 series were designed for general consumption, and were available at major home electronics outlets around the world. The Philips CDI 910 is the American version of the CDI 205, the most basic model in the series and the first Philips CD-i model, released in December 1991. Originally priced about Template:US$, within a year's time the price dropped to Template:US$.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • The CD-i player 300 series, which includes the 310, 350, 360, and 370 models. The 300 series consists of portable players designed for the professional market and not marketed to home consumers. A popular use was multimedia sales presentations such as those used by pharmaceutical companies to provide product information to physicians, as the devices could be easily transported by sales representatives.<ref name="gamefaqs.gamespot.com"/>
  • The CD-i player 400 series, which includes the 450, 470, 490 models. The 400 models are slimmed-down units aimed at console and educational markets. The CDI 450 player, for instance, is a budget model designed to compete with game consoles. In this version, an infrared remote controller is not standard but optional, as this model is more gaming-oriented. This series was introduced at CES Chicago in June 1994 and the 450 player retailed at Template:Currency in the Netherlands.<ref name="CDiMagazine" />
  • The CD-i player 500 series, which includes the 550 model, which was essentially the same as the 450 with an installed digital video cartridge. It was introduced at CES Chicago in June 1994.<ref name="CDiMagazine" />
  • The CD-i player 600 series, which includes the 601, 602, 604, 605, 615, 660, and 670 models. The 600 series is designed for professional applications and software development. Units in this line generally include support for floppy disk drives, keyboards and other computer peripherals. Some models can also be connected to an emulator and have software testing and debugging features.
  • The CD-I player 700 series, which consists of the 740 model, the most advanced player and featuring an RS-232 port. It was only released in limited quantities.

There also exist a number of hard-to-categorize models, such as the FW380i, an integrated mini-stereo and CD-i player; the 21TCDi30, a television with a built-in CD-i device; the CD-i/PC 2.0, a CD-i module with an ISA interface for IBM-compatible 486 PCs.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Philips Media Systems Template:Webarchive icdia.co.uk</ref>

Other manufacturers

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File:Sony IVO.png
Sony CD-i Intelligent Discman IVO

In addition to Philips, several manufacturers produced CD-i players some of which were still on sale years after Philips itself abandoned the format.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Manufacturers included:

Before the actual commercial debut of the CD-i format, some other companies had interest in building players and some made prototypes, but were never released – this includes Panasonic (who were originally a major backer of the format), Pioneer, JVC, Toshiba, Epson, Ricoh, Fujitsu, Samsung and Yamaha.<ref name="icdia.co.uk">Template:Cite webTemplate:Cbignore</ref><ref name="New Computer Express 086"/> In addition, Sanyo showed a prototype portable CD-i player in 1992.<ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Cbignore</ref>

Hardware specifications

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File:Philips-CDi-220-Motherboard-1.jpg
The motherboard of a CD-i 220
File:CDi Mouse Picture 2.jpg
The CD-i Mouse, most commonly used for professional software
File:CD-i Remote 3 Philips.jpg
CD-i "Commander" remote control, with an opened sliding cover that reveals buttons for playing audio CDs
File:Philips-CDi-Roller-Controller.jpg
The CD-i "Roller" controller, specially designed for kids

Template:Colbegin

CPU
  • 16/32-bit 68070 CISC Chip<ref name="GAMEPLAN">Template:Cite book</ref>
  • Clock Speed of 15.5 MHz<ref name="gamepro"/><ref name="NGen12"/>
Display and video
Audio
Operating System
Other
  • 128 KB of main RAM<ref name="GAMEPLAN"/>
  • Single speed CD-ROM drive<ref name="NGen12"/>
  • RF modulator (certain models)
CD-i accessories
  • CD-i mouse
  • CD-I KeyControl (keyboard)
  • Roller controller
  • CD-i trackball
  • I/O port splitter
  • Touchpad controller (Gravis PC GamePad)
  • Gamepad controller
  • IR wireless controller
  • RAM expansion and Video-CD (MPEG-1) support with DV Cart
  • Peacekeeper Revolver

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TeleCD-i and CD-MATICS

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Recognizing the growing need among marketers for networked multimedia, Philips partnered in 1992 with Amsterdam-based CDMATICS to develop TeleCD-i <ref>Physica Verlag, The Information Superhighway and Private Households, p.162-172</ref> (also TeleCD). In this concept, the CD-i player is connected to a network such as PSTN or Internet, enabling data-communication and rich media presentation. Dutch grocery chain Albert Heijn and mail-order company Neckermann were early adopters and introduced award-winning TeleCD-i applications for their home-shopping and home-delivery services. CDMATICS also developed the special Philips TeleCD-i Assistant and a set of software tools to help the worldwide multimedia industry to develop and implement TeleCD-i. TeleCD-i is the world's first networked multimedia application at the time of its introduction. In 1996, Philips acquired source code rights from CDMATICS.

CD-Online

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File:EmailCDOnline.jpg
E-mail screen of CD-Online UK

Internet services on the CD-i devices were facilitated by the use of an additional hardware modem and "CD-Online" disc (renamed Web-i in the US<ref>https://adage.com/print/78169 Template:Dead link</ref>), which Philips initially released in Britain in 1995 for $150 US.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="ParkerStarrett1996">Template:Cite book</ref> This service provided the CD-i with full internet access (with a 14.4k modem<ref name="auto">Template:Cite web</ref>), including online shopping, email, and support for networked multiplayer gaming on select CD-i games.<ref>Template:Cite newsTemplate:Cbignore</ref> The service required a CD-i player with DV cartridge, and an "Internet Starter Kit" which initially retailed for £99.99.<ref>Template:Cite newsTemplate:Cbignore</ref> It was advertised as bringing "full Internet access to the living room on TV screens".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Andy Stout, a writer for the official CD-i magazine, explained CD-Online: Template:Blockquote The CD-Online service went live in the UK on October 25, 1995<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and in March 1996 in the Netherlands (for 399 guilders),<ref name="auto"/> and also released in Belgium.<ref name="icdia.co.uk"/> The system was reportedly scheduled to launch in the US as "Web-i" in August 1996.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The domain cd-online.co.uk, which was used for the British CD-Online service, went offline in 2000.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Dutch domain cd-online.nl stopped updating too but remained online until 2007.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Only one game was released that supported CD-Online, the first-person shooter game RAM Raid. Players from any country in the world could compete against each other as long as they had a copy of the game.<ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Cbignore</ref>

Reception and market performance

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Philips had invested heavily in the CD-i format and system, and it was often compared with the Commodore CDTV as a single combination of computer, CD, and television.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The product was touted as a single machine for home entertainment connected to a standard TV and controlled by a regular remote control<ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Cbignore</ref> – although the format was noted to have various non-entertainment business opportunities too, such as travel and tourism or the military. In 1990, Peugeot used CD-i for its point of sale application promoting its then-new 605 automobile, and it was also at the time used by fellow car manufacturer Renault for staff training programmes, and in Japan by the Ministry of Trade and Industry for an exhibition there. A Philips executive, Gaston Bastiaens, quoted in 1990 "CD-I will be 'the medium' for entertainment, education and information in the 90's.".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Sony introduced its three portable CD-i players in June 1990, pitching them as "picture books with sound".<ref name="New Computer Express 086"/>

The ambitious CD-i format had initially created much interest after its 1986 announcement, both in the west and in Japan, buoyed by the success of the CD. However, after repeated delays (hardware was first intended to be ready and shipped by Christmas 1987) interest was slowly lost. Electronic Arts for instance was enthusiastic about CD-i and formed a division for the development of video game titles on the format, but it was eventually halted with the intention of resuming when CD-i players would reach the market. The company eventually never resumed CD-i software development when it was released.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The delay also gave more attention to the hyped Digital Video Interactive (DVI) in 1987, which demonstrated full screen, full motion video (FMV) using a compression chip on an IBM PC/AT computer.<ref name="filfre.net">Template:Cite webTemplate:Cbignore</ref> Amid the attention around its potential rival DVI,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Philips and Sony decided to find a way to add full screen FMV abilities to the CD-i standard, causing further delay.<ref name="filfre.net"/> Meanwhile, the Microsoft-backed CD-ROM standard was improving and solved certain video playback issues that were present on the CD-i – CD-ROM format products were already on the market by 1987.<ref name="dvorak.org"/> At the end, CD-ROM standard benefited from the CD-i and DVI mishaps,<ref name="filfre.net"/> and by the time CD-i players for consumers were released in 1991, CD-ROM had already become known and established.<ref name="dvorak.org"/> Ron Gilbert commented in early 1990 "The CD-I specifications look great, but where are the machines? If they'd come out four years ago, they'd have been hot, but now they're behind the times."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Another reason that led to fading interest pre-launch was the fact CD-i players would not launch with FMV but instead receive it later through a purchasable add-on cartridge (it was originally expected to come built-in) – as well as the obsolete Motorola processor, OS-9 software, and a launch price considered high.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Although Philips had aggressively promoted their CD-i products in the U.S., by August 1993 Computer Gaming World reported that "skepticism persists about its long-term prospects" compared to other platforms like IBM PC compatibles, Apple Macintosh, and Sega Genesis.<ref name="cgw199308">Template:Cite news</ref> The magazine stated in January 1994 that despite Philips' new emphasis on games "CD-i is still not the answer for hardcore gamers", but the console "may yet surprise us all in the future". It recommended the CD-i with video cartridge for those needing to buy a new console as "The price is right and there is more software to support it", but 3DO Interactive Multiplayer was probably better for those who could wait a few months.Template:R The Electronic Entertainment August 1994 issue noted that the CD-i, along with the Atari Jaguar, neither have an "effective, let alone innovative" game library to compete against the then newly released Sega CD.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

After being outsold in the market by cheaper multimedia PCs, in 1994 Philips attempted to emphasize CD-i as a game playing machine, but this did not help the situation.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> An early 1995 review of the system in GamePro stated that "inconsistent game quality puts the CD-i at a disadvantage against other high-powered game producers."<ref name="GPro70">Template:Cite magazine</ref> A late 1995 review in Next Generation criticized both Philips's approach to marketing the CD-i and the hardware itself ("The unit excels at practically nothing except FMV, and then only with the addition of a $200 digital video cartridge"). The magazine noted that while Philips had not yet officially discontinued the CD-i, it was dead for all intents and purposes, citing as evidence the fact that though Philips had a large booth at the 1995 Electronic Entertainment Expo, there was no CD-i hardware or software on display. Next Generation scored the console one out of five stars.<ref name="NGen12">Template:Cite journal</ref> Another trouble for Philips in 1995 was the formation of DVD-Video, which promised better quality video compared to Video CD's (VCD) MPEG-1 compression method – Philips had heavily promoted the CD-i's VCD playing capabilities.<ref>https://archive.org/details/EDGE.N017.1995.02/page/n11 Template:Dead link</ref> Philips Media consolidated its CD-i activities from its Los Angeles office in March 1996.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It was reported in October 1996 that Philips was ready to "call it quits" in the American market.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Sales

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In October 1994, Philips claimed an installed base of one million units for the CD-i worldwide.<ref>Template:Cite newsTemplate:Dead link</ref> In 1996, The Wall Street Journal reported that total US sales amounted to 400,000 units.<ref name="Trachtenberg1996">Template:Cite newsTemplate:Cbignore</ref> In the Netherlands, about 60,000 CD-i players were sold by the end of December 1994.<ref name="Billboard"/>

Legacy

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File:Philips CD-i 450 Tietokonemuseo.JPG
The Philips CD-i 450 console at the Computer and Video Game Console Museum of Helsinki in 2012

Although extensively marketed by Philips, notably via infomercial,<ref name="NGen12"/> consumer interest in CD-i titles remained low. By 1994, sales of CD-i systems had begun to slow, and in 1998 the product line was dropped. Plans for a second generation CD-i system were certainly present and Argonaut Software was even designated to design chip sets for the successor to the CD-i. However, company president Cor Boonstra saw no interest in the media area for Philips and so Philips sold everything, including the media subsidiary Polygram.

The Dutch half of Philips Media was sold to Softmachine, which released The Lost Ride on the CD-i as the last product for the CD-i. The French side of the company, who had purchased German publishers Bomico Entertainment Software and Laguna Video Games the year prior,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> was sold to French publisher Infogrames in June 1997 along with the entire CD-i library as well as German publishers.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> A CD-ROM add-on for the Super NES, which was announced for development with Nintendo in 1991, was never made.<ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Cbignore</ref> The last CD-i game was Solar Crusade, made by Infogrames and released in 1999.

After its discontinuation, the CD-i was overwhelmingly panned by critics who blasted its graphics, games, and controls. Microsoft CEO Bill Gates admitted that initially he "was worried" about the CD-i due to Philips' heavy support for the device and its two-pronged attack on both the games console and PC markets, but that in retrospect, "It was a device that kind of basically got caught in the middle. It was a terrible game machine, and it was a terrible PC."<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> The CD-i's various controllers were ranked the fifth worst video game controller by IGN editor Craig Harris.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> PC World ranked it as fourth on their list of "The 10 Worst Video Game Systems of All Time".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Gamepro.com listed it as number four on their list of The 10 Worst-Selling Consoles of All Time.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2008, CNET listed the system on its list of the worst game console(s) ever.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2007, GameTrailers ranked the Philips CD-i as the fourth worst console of all time in its Top 10 Worst Console lineup.<ref>(May 6, 2007). Top Ten Worst Consoles Template:Webarchive, GameTrailers. Accessed November 14, 2012.</ref>

In later retrospective years, the CD-i has become (infamously) best known for its video games, particularly those from the Nintendo-licensed The Legend of Zelda series, considered by many to be of poor taste.<ref>Template:Cite newsTemplate:Cbignore</ref> Games that were most heavily criticized include Hotel Mario, Link: The Faces of Evil, Zelda: The Wand of Gamelon, and Zelda's Adventure. EGM's Seanbaby rated The Wand of Gamelon as one of the worst video games of all time.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> However, Burn:Cycle was positively received by critics and has often been held up as the standout title for the CD-i.<ref name="GPro70"/><ref>Template:Cite magazineTemplate:Cbignore</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref name="NGen12"/>

See also

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References

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Template:Fourth generation game consoles Template:Home video game consoles Template:Philips Template:Rainbow Books

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