When the Phillips CD-i was first introduced in 1991, it was not advertised as a gaming console, but as a multimedia product to promote the CD format, aiming to provide an all-in-one experience with a single system. Consequently, in addition to audio CDs and game discs, the CD-i included support for the following sub-formats:

• CD+G discs, a variant of audio CD with allows listeners to display low-resolution graphics on a monitor in time with the music.
• Video CDs, a precursor to the more successful DVD format, distinct from both CD+G and the CD/LaserDisc hybrid format CD Video. Video CD playback required the installation of a supplemental MPEG-1 decoder cartridge.
• Photo CDs, which allowed users to store and display uncompressed digital transfers of film photographs on a video monitor.

Low sales caused Philips to try promoting it as a game console three years later.