So I got a Phillips CDi...
Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2020 11:23 am
Hello, folks - hope everyone's doing well!
So I managed to find myself a cheap Phillips CDi. Before you extend your condolences, I should say that I've always been interested in this console. I actually knew someone who had one in high school, and played a fair amount of Tetris on there along with a few other games (I want to say that I played a bit of one of the side-scrolling Zelda's, but my memory is fuzzy on this one and I may just be conflating it with watching videos of them later). At any rate, I've always found the history of the system pretty fascinating along with the weird Nintendo IP sharing deal. But at the same time, I never wanted to pay what CDi's were going for.
So as it happens, I managed to grab a working unit cheap. It's unfortunately the 910 which is gigantic and not as cool and console looking as the 400 series. I have no games for it yet, and am not even in a big rush to dive into this thing at the moment given how busy I've been. But I'm still excited to have one - about as excited as anyone can be to have one, haha.
The console does have a few issues, though...
1. The CD tray does not open/close on its own. I assume this is either a broken belt or motor, but either way, the drive is tested and boots games, but you have to operate the tray manually. Low priority, I'd think, if it works overall.
2. The pricey DVC was not included. No shocker there. Eventually I'll want one, as about half of the CDi games I'm interested in require it. But I can be patient, as shown by the fact that it took me however many years to wait for a cheap console.
3. It came with a "good" controller - one of the ones that looks like a Gravis pad. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to work, and there's a cut in the cable which I'd wager is the issue. (There's also some rattling from inside the controller, so who knows). I have no idea if this can be fixed, or if I'll need to be on the look out for an also expensive controller replacement.
...anyway, I know at least a handful of members here are in the CDi club (Michi?), so any feedback on those issues is welcome.
So I managed to find myself a cheap Phillips CDi. Before you extend your condolences, I should say that I've always been interested in this console. I actually knew someone who had one in high school, and played a fair amount of Tetris on there along with a few other games (I want to say that I played a bit of one of the side-scrolling Zelda's, but my memory is fuzzy on this one and I may just be conflating it with watching videos of them later). At any rate, I've always found the history of the system pretty fascinating along with the weird Nintendo IP sharing deal. But at the same time, I never wanted to pay what CDi's were going for.
So as it happens, I managed to grab a working unit cheap. It's unfortunately the 910 which is gigantic and not as cool and console looking as the 400 series. I have no games for it yet, and am not even in a big rush to dive into this thing at the moment given how busy I've been. But I'm still excited to have one - about as excited as anyone can be to have one, haha.
The console does have a few issues, though...
1. The CD tray does not open/close on its own. I assume this is either a broken belt or motor, but either way, the drive is tested and boots games, but you have to operate the tray manually. Low priority, I'd think, if it works overall.
2. The pricey DVC was not included. No shocker there. Eventually I'll want one, as about half of the CDi games I'm interested in require it. But I can be patient, as shown by the fact that it took me however many years to wait for a cheap console.
3. It came with a "good" controller - one of the ones that looks like a Gravis pad. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to work, and there's a cut in the cable which I'd wager is the issue. (There's also some rattling from inside the controller, so who knows). I have no idea if this can be fixed, or if I'll need to be on the look out for an also expensive controller replacement.
...anyway, I know at least a handful of members here are in the CDi club (Michi?), so any feedback on those issues is welcome.