The CD-i was indeed pretty popular in Europe (especially in the UK). Most CD-i developers were from Europe too.
I remember that they used to have a CD-i standing in the corner (it was always turned on) in the local electronics store many years ago (it was there for years!). They never used it and I always wanted to ask them if they would sell it to me, but I never did. When they redecorated the store, the CD-i disappeared. Made me a bit sad.