Originally Posted by
Kiddo
Does it really count when the multiple versions of TMNT: TF are completely different, unrelated in anything other than brand name, to begin with?
The Earthquake example isn't really the best one either, since Earthquake's not a character added for a specific version but simply removed from the Genesis one because of technical limitations.
For the most part, as far as I can think, adding version-exclusive characters in fighters started more or less with the 32-bit era, where fighting game ports were close enough to the arcade versions that extra incentive may have been needed to get buyers.. Some examples I can think of: non-NeoGeo console versions of Samurai Shodown IV had ChamCham. Norimaro was Japan-exclusive in Marvel Super Heroes Vs. Street Fighter (Not really an example following the other trends, Norimaro was absent from US versions because lolMahvel). The loads of characters introduced in the Playstation port of Street Fighter Alpha 3. Or the bizarre Darkstalkers cameo in Marvel Super Heroes.