Philips CD-i Video Games For Sale

Overview

The Philips CD-i launched in 1991 as a multimedia machine first and a game console second, marketed as an all-in-one player for interactive movies, music, education, and games. Built around the CD format, it offered full-motion video and point-and-click interactivity long before DVDs or modern consoles.

The CD-i library spans around 200 officially released titles worldwide, mixing edutainment and reference discs with a quirky slate of games. Standout releases include Burn:Cycle, Hotel Mario, Voyeur, and cult-famous Zelda entries like The Wand of Gamelon and Faces of Evil. While not a mainstream success, the CD-i carved out a reputation as one of the boldest experiments of the early ’90s CD era.

Collector Appeal

For collectors, the Philips CD-i is an unusual but fascinating niche. Its large jewel cases and often limited print runs make complete-in-box (CIB) copies increasingly desirable. While some titles remain inexpensive curiosities, others—particularly the infamous Nintendo-licensed games and FMV exclusives—command significant premiums.

Accessible pickups include Hotel Mario, Burn:Cycle, Voyeur, and sports releases like International Tennis Open. Harder-to-find gems include Zelda: The Wand of Gamelon, Link: The Faces of Evil, and rarities like Alien Gate or Super Mario’s Wacky Worlds (prototype only, but legendary among collectors). For enthusiasts, the CD-i blends affordable oddities with grail-level rarities, making it a truly eclectic platform to pursue.

Fun Philips CD-i Facts

Multimedia first: The CD-i was pitched as a home entertainment system, supporting movies, music CDs, educational software, and games on one device.

Nintendo connection: A failed Nintendo-Sony deal opened the door for Philips, leading to infamous CD-i versions of Zelda and Mario.

FMV pioneer: Full-motion video titles like Voyeur and Thunder in Paradise showcased the system’s experimental spirit—even if the gameplay was limited.

Collector’s curiosity: With roughly 200 titles, the CD-i’s blend of edutainment, FMV, and cult games makes it one of the most unusual retro libraries to collect today.

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