I'm pretty sure link made the cut just because of ocarina of time
Samus would also depend if super metroid already released
Kirby would be over fox though
Because of kirbys popularity and technical limitations wich would make it harder to add alot of characters

I could see cutting Kirby and fox But link and Samus we're all ready gaming all stars

I don't agree. I think the cast would be these characters
100% in: mario ness yoshi donky-kong
Mabey could make the cut: fox Samus link kirby
Kirby reason: Sakurai dosent like to over promote his own series thus making it less likley

Good to know

Ok