Google is celebrating the upcoming release of Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake with a clever Easter egg that sends users back to 1998, the year the legendary Nintendo 64 adventure first arrived in stores.
With the remake scheduled to launch November 5 for the Nintendo Switch 2, Google has introduced an interactive feature that allows users to travel through time using the Master Sword, transforming the modern search engine into a recreation of its original appearance.
The feature pays tribute to one of the most memorable mechanics from Nintendo’s classic adventure, bringing a little of Hyrule’s magic to an ordinary Google search.
How to Activate Google’s Ocarina of Time Easter Egg
The Easter egg is remarkably easy to find.
Simply visit Google and search for “The Legend of Zelda,” “Zelda,” or “Ocarina of Time.”
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A familiar sight should appear in the bottom-right corner of the results page: the legendary Master Sword hovering above its pedestal, just as it appears inside the Temple of Time.
Clicking the sword triggers an animation accompanied by Link’s voice. The blade returns to its pedestal, a blue-and-white effect washes across the screen, and the golden Triforce makes an appearance.
Google Easter Egg for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time – Google
Then, almost magically, Google travels back to 1998.
The familiar modern interface disappears, replaced by a recreation of Google’s earliest design. Its original multicolored logo returns, complete with the exclamation point, alongside the simple gray search buttons and straightforward results layout that characterized the early internet.
The transformation even includes some amusing details.
Google Result for Zelda as it appeared in 1998 – Google
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According to Famitsu, the retro results page displays approximately 1,998 search results, referencing the year Ocarina of Time debuted. The displayed search time of 0.64 seconds is another apparent reference to the Nintendo 64.
Clicking the Master Sword again reverses the process, returning users to the modern Google interface.
A Fitting Tribute to One of Nintendo’s Greatest Games
The Easter egg is particularly appropriate because time travel plays a central role in Ocarina of Time.
Originally released for the Nintendo 64 in November 1998, the game follows Link on a quest to stop Ganondorf from seizing control of Hyrule and obtaining the power of the Triforce.
During the adventure, Link discovers the Master Sword inside the Temple of Time. Pulling the legendary weapon from its pedestal causes him to awaken seven years in the future, where Ganondorf has transformed the once-peaceful kingdom.
A scene from The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time Remake – Nintendo
Players subsequently travel between Link’s childhood and adulthood by removing or replacing the sword, solving puzzles and exploring different versions of Hyrule.
Google’s Easter egg recreates that memorable mechanic by allowing users to switch between the internet of today and its appearance during the game’s original release year.
It’s a thoughtful tribute to a title that helped establish the foundations of modern three-dimensional adventure games.
Ocarina of Time Returns to Nintendo Switch 2
The celebration comes as Nintendo prepares to release its highly anticipated Ocarina of Time remake on November 5.
The original game remains one of the most celebrated titles in gaming history, remembered for its innovative Z-targeting combat system, memorable dungeons, sweeping soundtrack, and groundbreaking transition of the Zelda franchise into three dimensions.
A scene from The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time Remake – Nintendo
The upcoming remake aims to introduce the adventure to a new generation while giving longtime fans an opportunity to rediscover Hyrule with modernized visuals and gameplay improvements.
For players who experienced Link’s journey on the Nintendo 64 nearly three decades ago, Google’s interactive tribute offers a charming reminder of the adventure that helped define a generation.
And with the remake arriving this Thursday, there’s no better time to draw the Master Sword and take another trip through time.
Have you tried out this Google Zelda Easter Egg yet? Sound off and let us know!
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