Google turns Zelda searches into a 1998-style results page
Searching for "Zelda" or "Ocarina of Time" shows an animated Master Sword that unlocks a retro Google layout with seven curated links.
Google has launched a search Easter egg that activates when users search for "Zelda" or "Ocarina of Time", according to arstechnica.com. The feature places an animated Master Sword in the lower right corner of the results page.
Clicking the sword plays a time-skipping animation and a Link shout, after which the results page switches to a retro layout styled after Google in 1998, complete with blue links and the company's old branding. The Easter egg works on both mobile and desktop.
The retro page carries seven curated links, including the official Nintendo Zelda page, Wikipedia and Zelda games listed on Amazon.
Google said the Easter egg celebrates the imminent release of an Ocarina of Time remaster. The company did not give a date for that release in the announcement.
Background
Google and Ars Technica both came online in 1998, the same year Nintendo released The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time on the Nintendo 64.
Quick answers
How do I trigger the Google Zelda Easter egg?
Search Google for "Zelda" or "Ocarina of Time", then click the animated Master Sword in the lower right corner of the results page.
Does the Easter egg work on phones?
Yes. Google says the Easter egg works on both mobile and desktop.
What does the retro page show?
A 1998-style Google layout with blue links and old branding, plus seven curated links including the official Nintendo Zelda page, Wikipedia and Zelda games on Amazon.