History of Computers - CD-i

The CD-i, or Compact Disc Interactive, was a game console developed by Philipsand released December 3, 1991. It is known as the first console that is entirely CD based.

Overview

The CD-i was spawned off of a disc based add-on for the Super Nintendo to extend the console's life. However, the project never went through, so Philips created the CD-i from the project. At first, the CD-i had a game library consisting of mostly self-help and educational games. It later received actual games after seeing the success of the Sega CD, an add-on for the Genesis. The most famous of these games were the Mario and Zelda games that Philips obtained the rights to after the failed Nintendo project. Unfortunately for Philips, the CD-i would become a commercial failure. The Mario and Zelda games were terrible and have become known as some of the worst video games ever made. The other games for the console were mostly "CD movie" titles, which is basically just an interactive movie. To top it off, Philips also primarily promoted the CD-i through infomercials. All of these reasons caused Philips to cease production for the CD-i in 1998.

Significance

While the CD-i was a commercial failure, it helped pave the way for CD use in game consoles and even computers. On a smaller scale, the CD-i helped to popularize "edutainment" games for children, which are used today to introduce children to basic computer use and improve cognitive skills.

Links

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CD-i

By Ceckman