CD-i

CD-i

Philips CDI 220, with its game controller
Manufacturer	Philips, Sony
Type	Home video game console Media player
Generation	Fourth
Release date	NA: December 3, 1991 JP: April 25, 1992 EU: July 10, 1992
Discontinued	1998
Predecessor	Philips Videopac + G7400 (spiritual)
Emulated	[#Hardware_features_and_accessories ~]

CD-i (Compact Disc Interactive), is a disk format and media player developed and released by Philips. The main system ran on Microware OS-9 and had a Philips SCC68070 CPU at 15.5 MHz with 1MB of RAM. It has many hardware variants, and some third-party manufacturers even produced their own media players based on the CD-i format and technology.

The CD-i was never meant to be a video game console, it was designed to be a "Interactive Multimedia" CD player, targeted mainly at people with disposable income. When the system started to show signs of being a major flop for Philips, they pivoted the direction of the CD-i into the uncharted territories of video games.

The CD-i is best known nowadays for being home to a port of Tetris with a new-age Jim Andron soundtrack, and four particularly notorious games loosely based on Nintendo copyrights, which were mainly made possible by Philips's prior attempts to develop a CD add-on for the SNES. Their takes on Nintendo intellectual property have earned so much infamy over the years that you would be hard-pressed to find anyone who doesn't immediately think of them whenever you mention the CD-i. However, there were a few cult classic games for the system as well.

Emulators

Before editing, review the Getting involved and Recommended pages. See system requirements page for performance demand of the emulators.
See tables for enhancements, hardware features and accessories and hardware variants.
For more details such as licensing, programming language, emulation method, visit each emulator’s dedicated page.

Name	Platform(s)	Latest version	License	Active	Compatibility	Recommended
x86
CD-i Emulator		0.5.3 beta 10 0.5.3 beta 8 (Patched)	Proprietary	✓	27.03% 10 out of 37 reported titles	~
Same CDi same_cdi_libretro		libretro core	GPLv2 (Copyleft) |	✓		~
MAME		0.289	GPLv2 BSD-3-Clause	✓		~*
TinyCDi		?	Proprietary	✗		✗
CeDImu		None (pre-alpha)	?	~		✗(WIP)
CD-iCE		2001-08-20	Proprietary	✗		✗
ARM
Provenance		3.3.0 git		✓		?
Same CDi same_cdi_libretro		libretro core	GPLv2 (Copyleft)	✓		~
FPGA
CDi_MiSTer	MiSTer	dvc_rc0	GPLv3 (Copyleft)	✓		✓

Comparisons

MAME

This multi-system emulator includes a driver for the CD-i, although support is incomplete as it still has no DVC emulation. Starting the game from disc is recommended; this can be done with the built-in frontend by picking the specific game or through a soft reset after mounting the disc. MAME is also currently the only program to provide CD-i emulation through a libretro core, which makes it the easiest and the most stable method of emulating the CD-i for now. Compared to CD-i Emulator, MAME is generally easier to control and can better emulate the audio for some games.

Same CDi

SAME CDi is a S(ingle) A(rcade) M(achine) E(mulator) for libretro, just like NeoCD (neocd_libretro) forked from MAME libretro, which is in turn a fork of MAME. It includes only the Philips CD-i driver, and simplifies the loading of CD content to provide a 'plug-and-play' experience.

TinyCDi

An unofficial build of MESS from 2009 made by one of MAME's active developers, Haze. This build is named such that it only focuses on the CD-i. It uses a fixed game list. Some games have more issues than they have on the official MAME build.

CD-i Emulator

This emulator by CD-i Fan is currently closed-source donationware, with vague plans to move to open-core at a future date. The public beta releases unfortunately handle free trial timing in a way that makes them unusable (without cracking, anyway) after set calendar dates; for the latest beta, 0.5.3 beta 10, this will be on 1st January 2027. The current betas do have proof-of-concept DVC emulation, although compatibility may still be an issue. Despite the long time between releases, this emulator is likely still in active development as of 2025, with work being done on the next version (likely called 0.6) that reportedly supports most of the DVC games and also has several other improvements. As a sneak peak you can already look at the Player Support for CD-i Emulator version 0.6.0 page.

CeDImu

A much newer independent project being actively developed by Stovent, largely based on an unofficial documentation set written by CD-i Fan (the creator of CD-i Emulator). As of 2025, it was still active but currently in pre-alpha status, so don't expect it to boot any games just yet.

CD-iCE

One of the earliest CD-i emulators. It doesn't need a BIOS, but it was only developed to be able to play Rise of the Robots and does not support anything else.

Enhancements

Please only include recommended emulators in this table. Do not bump or spam GitHub threads, issues, or feature request pages.

Name		CD-i Emulator	Same CDi	MAME
Controls	Input lag-mitigating technique	?	?	?
	Turbo button	?	?	?
Graphics	Resizable internal resolution	For emulation of 2D systems, the resolution can only be upscaled, making the pixels more apparent.
	Sprite Replacement	?	?	?
	Widescreen hack	?	?	?
Performance	Frame generation technologies (LSFG, DLSS-FG and SM, XeSS-FG, AFMF and FSR FG)	Implementing frame generation technology in an emulator is unfortunately quite challenging and unlikely to be feasible in the near future, however post-processing techniques such as motion interpolation is quite possible. Input latency will be a crucial factor, but its impact likely varies depending on the specific technique employed, it's recommended to use after applying the "Internal Framerate Hack". While AFMF or LSFG can be used with MAME, please be aware that some visual glitches and artifacts may occur at this time.
	Internal frame rate hack	?	?	?
	Overclock	?	?	?
	Preload optical disc image to RAM For users with sluggish multi-platter HDDs or plagued by horrible seek times, this enhancement might offer smoother experience, potentially reduced power consumption; it also shines when disc images reside on a network drive. Although keep in mind that preloading image would take some time, and it will require additional amount of RAM capacity.	?	?	?
Post-processing	AI-powered filter (Freestyle)	?	?	?
	Filters	?	✓	✓
	Inverse tone mapping compatible	?	✓*	?
	Post-rendering anti-aliasing (FXAA, TXAA and MLAA/SMAA)	?	✓	?
	Post-rendering scaling (Sharp bilinear, Lanczos and FSR 1)	?	✓	✓
	Shader chain	?	✓	✓
Quality of life	Automatic updater	?	✓	?
	Big Picture Mode	?	✓	✓
	Built-in cheat manager	?	?	?
	Built-in custom resolution/CRTSwitchRes For using this on Windows, you need CRT Emudriver. Another option is using EDID editor tool such as "Custom Resolution Utility".	Exclusive to libretro cores and GroovyMAME at the moment. Also there is a project for achieving software emulators like libretro cores and GroovyMAME send the raw RGB data over a network to a core running on MiSTer, it basically turns the MiSTer into a GPU for the emulator allowing for easy setup and use with CRT TVs/Arcade monitors.
	Built-in mod editor and manager	?	✗	✗
	Built-in patch manager	?	?	?
	Command-line options	?	✓	✓
	Pause/Resume emulation	?	?	?
	Per-game profiles	?	✓	✓
	Portable and stealth Useful enhancement feature for non-personal computer use or plug-and-play scenarios. However, the software may still require the necessary prerequisites and dependencies for your operating system if it is not statically linked.	?	✓	✓
	Streamable compression format	?	✓	✓
TAS features	Fast forward/Turbo speed	?	?	?
	Frame step (forwards and backwards)	?	?	?
	Macros/Scripts/Lua	?	?	?
	Movie recording/playback	?	?	?
	Rewind	?	?	?
	Save states	?	?	?
Misc.	Ambient sounds simulation Simulation of audio from original hardware and environments, such as mechanical hard drive, floppy diskette, and optical drive noises (e.g., head seeks, spin-up/down, tray loading, disc spinning, and clicking), variable CRT flyback transformer whine (the classic high-pitched "coil whine" that dynamically changes pitch based on screen brightness and content), arcade cabinet effects (e.g., fan hum or button rattles), and other background ambient noises.	?	✗	✗
	Audio filters and presets Simulation of characteristic playback limitations and coloration of vintage consumer audio hardware, such as CRT television speakers, arcade cabinets, handheld consoles, early PC sound outputs, and low-fidelity integrated speakers. These filters are not intended to be perfectly accurate recreations, but rather to evoke the tonal qualities, distortion, bandwidth limits, resonance, and compression associated with 8-bit and 16-bit era devices. Examples include mono or narrow stereo output, reduced frequency response, speaker cone distortion, mild saturation, aliasing, and preset lo-fi profiles inspired by classic TVs, portable game systems, radios, and retro multimedia hardware.	Exclusive to libretro cores at the moment.
	Debug features	?	?	?
	EmuVR support	Exclusive to libretro cores at the moment.
	Free Look Free Look is a enhancement feature that allows manipulation of the in-game camera.	While freecam would be technically possible, it will require per-game patches. Said patches would require a significant amount of time to reverse the game's engine, which means that only someone talented with enough dedication to a single game could do it.
	Netplay	?	?	?
	RetroAchievements	?	✗	✗
	Rich Presence (RPC) Allows the emulator to share real-time game session details (e.g., current game title, level, boss, playtime, or custom status) with external applications. This enables features such as displaying what you're playing on your profile, inviting friends to spectate, or triggering join-in-progress functionality where supported.	?	✓	?
	Screen translator Using optical character recognition (OCR) and other techniques, this feature can provide live translation of in-game text, text-to-speech for visually impaired users, and more — either on demand or automatically.	You can use RetroArch's AI Service or the standalone offline bquenin's Interpreter.

Hardware features and accessories

Please only include recommended emulators in this table. Do not bump or spam GitHub threads, issues, or feature request pages.

Name		CD-i Emulator	Same CDi	MAME
CD-i Player		?	✗	?
CD-Online		?	?	?
Digital Video Cartridge		~*	✗[1][2]	✗*

Digital Video Cartridge

The one and only expansion card officially sold for the CD-i was the MPEG Digital Video Cartridge (DVC), a hardware MPEG-1 video decoder which enabled CD-i Digital Video and Video CD playback as well as enhanced FMV capabilities for games that support it (similarly to the Sega Saturn's Video CD Card). As of 2025, there is no emulator that fully supports the DVC, and several games that require MPEG-1 video decoding will be pretty much unplayable without that support. To know whether your chosen games require the DVC, either check the "DVC status" column of Wikipedia's CD-i game list, or check MAME's CD-i hash list for games where the list includes <sharedfeat name="compatibility" value="DVC" />. CDi_MiSTer FPGA core partially supports DVC emulation.

Model	RAM	Region	Notes
22ER9141 (AH00)	1MB	PAL	The initial consumer DVC. Uses the Motorola 68000-based architecture.
22ER9141 (AH01)	1MB	NTSC	North American equivalent to the AH00.
22ER9956 (AH02)	1MB	Universal	An updated revision with improved microcode for better synchronization.
22ER9956 (AH03)	1MB	Universal	The final major revision. Often considered the most stable for software compatibility in emulators like MAME and Celine.

Hardware variants

CD-i has many hardware variants, and some third-party manufacturers even produced their own media players based on the CD-i format and technology.[3]

Internal Board Revisions

The underlying architecture of CD-i players changed drastically over the platform's lifespan to reduce costs and consolidate chips. Knowing the board type is critical for emulation, as it dictates which chips (like the VDSC or CDIC) are present.

Board	Description	Chips	Used In
JNMS	Original Japanese New Media System board (?)	VSR + 2xVSC and CDIC	CD-i 180 development player
Maxi-MMC	Original MultiMedia Controller board	VSR + 2xVSC and CDIC + SLAVE	CD-i 601 and CD-i 602 professional players
Mini-MMC	Miniature MultiMedia Controller board	VSD + 2xVSC and CDIC + SLAVE	CD-i 605 and CD-i 205/910 players
Mono-I	First generation Monoboard	VDSC and CDIC + SLAVE	2nd generation consumer players
Mono-II	Second generation Monoboard	VDSC and DSP + SLAVE	3rd generation consumer players
Mono-III	Third generation Monoboard	VDSC and CIAP + IKAT	4th generation consumer players
Mono-IV	Fourth generation Monoboard	VDSC and CIAP + IKAT	5th generation consumer players
Mono-V	Fifth generation Monoboard	Chips used unknown	Skipped; never went into production
Mono-VI	Sixth generation Monoboard (One-Chip CD-i)	VDSC and CIAP + IKAT	6th generation consumer players (untested)
Roboco	Smaller footprint variation of Mono-III board	VDSC and CIAP + IKAT	Small form-factor consumer players
Goldstar	Various Goldstar boards using 68340 processor (formerly called PCDI boards)	VDSC and CD/AP + RCHIP	CD-i 370 / GPI-1200M portable consumer and some rebranded consumer players

Philips Models (First-Party)

Philips released several "series" of players, each with slightly different internal BIOS and board revisions. The numbers following the slash (e.g., /00, /17) generally indicate regional variations or minor hardware revisions.

• 100 Series (180): The original "professional" and early consumer units (180/20/37). These often have a distinct, older BIOS look and feel.
• 200 Series (200 / 205 / 210 / 220): The most common consumer units. They resemble high-end VCRs.
  • Models include: 200/00/17/20/37/40/57, 205/00, 210/00/17/20/25/37/40/57/60/77, 220/00/17/20/37/40/57/60/77/80/97.
  • Notes: The CD-i 200 is the USA version of the CD-i 210. The CD-i 210/00 is internally a CD-i 220/20 in a different case with some features missing.
• 300 Series (350 / 360 / 370): Portable "Professional" units. The 370 is notable for its built-in screen.
  • Models include: 350/00, 360/00, 370/00.
  • Notes: The CD-i 360 is a CD-i 350 with a larger screen. The CD-i 370 is actually a rebranded Goldstar GPI-1200M.
• 400 & 500 Series (450 / 470 / 490 / 550): Budget-friendly, "cost-reduced" consumer models. They are smaller and often used the AH03 DVC integrated directly into the board in later revisions.
  • Models include: 450/00/17, 470/00/17/20/37, 490/00/17, 550/00/17.
  • Notes: The CD-i 550 is essentially a CD-i 450 with the Digital Video Cartridge built-in.
• 600 Series (601 / 602 / 604 / 605 / 615 / 660 / 670): Professional-grade units intended for kiosks and developers. These often include floppy disk drive support and additional serial ports.
  • Models include: 601/00, 602/00, 604/00, 605/00/20, 615/00, 660/00, 670/00.
• 700 Series (740): Models include 740/00/17/20/37.
• 900 Series (910): Models include 910/00. The CD-i 910 is the USA version of the CD-i 205.
• Combo / Hybrid Units: Philips also integrated CD-i tech into other home electronics.
  • FW380i/00: A mini-system audio stereo with integrated CD-i.
  • 21TCDI30/00: A television set containing a built-in CD-i 210/40.

Third-Party Manufacturers

Because CD-i was intended as a universal standard (like VHS or Audio CD), several other companies produced hardware:

• Goldstar / LG:
  • GDI 750 / GDI 1000 (00/17): Rebranded Philips CD-i 450 units.
  • GPI-1200M/00: A portable unit (also rebranded by Philips as the 370).
  • LG GDI-700/00.
• Magnavox: Primarily rebranded Philips units for the North American market (e.g., Magnavox CD-i 200).
• Sony: Produced the Sony IVO-V10 (Intelligent Video), a portable player aimed at industrial and educational use.
• Samsung: Released the Samsung DV-5500, which is highly sought after by collectors for its unique build quality.
• Kyocera: Produced the Kyocera Pro 1000.
• Bang & Olufsen: Integrated CD-i technology into the Beocenter AV 9000 high-end television/media system.
• DVS: Released the VE-200/00.
• DMB Korea: Released the DMB-1000/00.

Emulation Considerations

• BIOS Matching: Most CD-i emulators require a specific BIOS file that matches the hardware model. For general gaming, a Philips 220 or 450 BIOS is recommended. The board type (Mono-I vs Mono-IV, etc.) dictates which emulation profiles will boot successfully.
• DVC Emulation: To play games marked as "Digital Video Required," the emulator must have a DVC ROM (like the AH00, AH01, AH02, or AH03) mapped to the system. Without this, the system will prompt the user to "Insert Digital Video Cartridge" or simply crash to the shell.
• NVRAM: The CD-i uses Timekeeper RAM (NVRAM) to store save games. In real hardware, these batteries eventually die; emulators handle this by creating a separate `.nv` or `.srm` file.

External links

• CDi_MiSTer
• TG68K.C
• 68hc05
• cdichips
• icdia: Microware OS-9 Documentation
• CeDImu: SystemCalls.hpp
• MAME's cdi.cpp

References

Philips(edit)

• Consoles: Odyssey • Odyssey² • Videopac+ • CD-i
• Home computers: P2000