Key points
- Searching for Zelda or Ocarina of Time displays a Master Sword icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
- Tapping the sword switches the interface to a 1998-style page with seven blue links and a working I’m Feeling Lucky button.
- The retro theme is limited to this specific search and does not carry over to other queries, according to 9to5Google.
Google has introduced a temporary visual change to its search interface that activates when users query specific terms related to The Legend of Zelda franchise. This feature appears to coincide with the upcoming release of Ocarina of Time on the Nintendo Switch 2, as noted by 9to5Google in a recent report.reportedThis feature lets you see what Google looked like in 1998, but only for one search about Zelda.
The evidence
According to 9to5Google, entering Zelda or Ocarina of Time into the search bar causes a Master Sword graphic to appear in the bottom-right corner of the display.reported Users on both desktop and mobile devices can interact with this element to trigger the interface change. The report describes the feature as an easter egg accessible via standard search queries.
The decision
The interface shift transports users to a simplified layout resembling Google’s design from 1998.reported This older version features short descriptions and exactly seven blue links, removing the modern AI search elements and complex business features. The I’m Feeling Lucky button remains functional within this retro environment, allowing users to bypass the results page entirely.
The takeaway
The retro theme is strictly confined to the initial search query and does not persist for subsequent actions. If users attempt to search for a different term from within the 1998-themed page, the interface reverts to the current 2026 design.reported Tapping the Master Sword again restores the modern interface, accompanied by animations and sound effects of Link in either adult or child form.
Building on this
Developers observing this feature can note that the interface change is triggered by searching for specific terms like Zelda or Ocarina of Time.
Why it matters
- The easter egg serves as a nostalgic nod to the upcoming release of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time on the Nintendo Switch 2.
- It offers users a temporary escape from modern AI search features by reverting the interface to its 1998 design.
- The feature is strictly limited to specific searches for “Zelda” or “Ocarina of Time,” preventing users from maintaining the retro look for other queries.
- It provides an interactive experience with animations and sounds of Link that respond to the user’s navigation between the 1998 and 2026 interfaces.
Topics: Google, UI, Easter Egg, Search, Nintendo
Updated
The strongest doubt
Counterpoint from the sources
The retro interface is limited to a single search query and does not allow users to maintain the simplified view for broader browsing, reducing its utility for those seeking a permanent alternative to AI search.
Ask the article
Local keyword search of this article; no generated answers.Did this article give you the evidence you needed?
Your choice stays on this device. No public tally.Terms in this story
Easter egg
A hidden feature or message in software, often for entertainment or nostalgia.
I’m Feeling Lucky
A search button that bypasses results and goes directly to the top-ranked page.
Nintendo Switch 2
The upcoming gaming console from Nintendo, mentioned in the context of the Ocarina of Time release.
Questions readers ask
Does the 1998 theme stay active if I search for something else?
No, the retro interface only applies to the initial Zelda or Ocarina of Time search and reverts to the modern layout for any subsequent queries.
Can I access this feature on my mobile phone?
Yes, 9to5Google reports that the Master Sword trigger and the resulting 1998 interface work on both desktop and mobile devices.
Is this a permanent change to Google search?
The source material does not state a permanent timeline, but describes it as an easter egg tied to an upcoming game release, suggesting it is temporary.
Connected stories
Reading receipt
- Searching for Zelda or Ocarina of Time displays a Master Sword icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
- Tapping the sword switches the interface to a 1998-style page with seven blue links and a working I’m Feeling Lucky button.
- The retro theme is limited to this specific search and does not carry over to other queries, according to 9to5Google.