Super Smash Bros. (Nintendo 64) Era
1996 — Japan:
Sakurai begins experimenting with a 4‑player platform fighting concept at HAL Laboratory.
Early 1997 — Japan:
Dragon King: The Fighting Game prototype created (generic fighters).
Late 1997 — Japan:
Prototype reskinned with Nintendo characters (Mario, DK, Samus, Fox) to pitch the project internally.
1998 — Japan:
Super Smash Bros. publicly revealed in Japanese media and previews.
Nintendo Stadium Magazine 1998
CoroCoro Comic December 1998 issue, original No. 248
1999‑01‑21 — Japan:
Super Smash Bros. releases on Nintendo 64.
1999‑04‑24 — USA (Las Vegas):
Slamfest ’99 promotional live show at MGM Grand Adventures.
1999‑04‑26 — North America:
Super Smash Bros. releases in North America.
1999‑08‑27 to 08‑29 — Japan (Chiba): Nintendo Space World ’99 hosts Smash Bros. Meijin Deciding Game tournaments.
1999‑11‑19 — Europe: Super Smash Bros. releases in Europe.
1999–2000 — Japan (TV): 64 Mario Stadium features Smash 64 segments and early tournaments.
2000‑01‑21 — Japan: Super Smash Bros. Original Soundtrack CD (2‑disc) releases.
Mid‑2000s — Global: Emulator netplay era helps build international Smash 64 competitive scene.
2005‑11‑15 — China: Smash 64 releases on the iQue Player.
2001‑03 — Japan: Japan United Smash Festa RR1 hosts major Smash 64 tournament.
2009 — Global: Wii Virtual Console release of Smash 64.
2012‑01 — USA (New Jersey): Apex 2012 includes Smash 64 bracket.
2016‑08 — USA (Virginia): Super Smash Con 2016 hosts record‑size Smash 64 bracket.