Anniversary: Super Smash Bros. Melee Launched 20 Years Ago Today In North America

Making everyone here at Nintendo Life feel painfully ancient, today marks the 20th anniversary of Super Smash Bros. Melee‘s release in North America.

Only the second game in the series, following on from the original Super Smash Bros. on N64, Melee would go on to become arguably the most beloved entry in the franchise, long after its eventual sequels came and went. Its North American release came just a couple of weeks after the Japanese launch, with Europe having to wait until the following May.

Featuring a roster of 26 characters (which sounds strangely lacking compared to the ridiculous lineup found in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on Switch), the game wasn’t without its flaws, but it’s impossible to deny that it’s still a perfect way to spend an evening even today. It’s a seriously iconic release, too – loading up the game’s title screen sends nostalgic shivers down our spines, and we’re reliably informed by some young ‘uns that the “Choose Your Character” announcement is at the centre of a TikTok trend. Whatever that means.

See? Shivers.

Do you have fond memories of Super Smash Bros. Melee? Uni nights spent playing into the early hours? Family gatherings full of intense Stock matches? Let us hear ’em in the comments below.