Philips CD-i
1991
In 1991 Philips launched the innovative CD-i multimedia device, created for all purposes imaginable: music, video, and even games. But people seemed to favor cheap low-end PC’s for multimedia purposes and gaming turned out to be the CD-i’s main selling point. Philips rebranded the CD-i as a gaming device, but their attempt at the games market failed. The CD-i was underpowered compared to proper gaming devices, and the strange multimedia remote control made gaming awkward. The CD-i is probably best remembered for its strange games, including poorly animated Mario games. With a steep price of $800, the CD-i couldn’t compete with better gaming consoles like the PlayStation. The CD-i cost Philips nearly a billion dollars.
Additional info:
Atlas Obscura - The History of the Philips CD-i, Failed PlayStation Ancestor
SVG - The Embarrassing Mario Games That Ended Up On Philips CD-I
