Google just rolled out a fun Easter egg for fans of Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Users can check out how the search engine looked back in 1998, the same year the N64 classic debuted. According to GamesRadar, you can trigger this by clicking on the Master Sword.
This Easter egg coincides perfectly with the announcement of Nintendo’s Ocarina of Time remake. By revisiting 1998, they connect the original game’s release to the new project. Shacknews confirms that the egg displays Google as it appeared in that year.
The Easter egg comes just as new details about the remake are being revealed. Fans have been guessing which studio is behind the development since the project was unveiled. GameSpot reports that Nintendo’s new Ask the Developer feature might finally provide an answer.
Nintendo has shared the interview in several parts. Ask the Developer Vol. 24 focuses on Ocarina of Time and includes a Chapter 1 entry along with Part 1 and Part 2 installments. This gives the remake a more in-depth behind-the-scenes look than most early-stage announcements.
The brilliance of Google’s Easter egg lies in its simplicity. Since 1998 is a reference point for both the game and the search page, it sparks nostalgia on two fronts. Plus, it doesn’t cost Nintendo a dime, offering them free marketing for a remake that’s already generating buzz.
So far, sources haven’t clarified whether Nintendo and Google worked together on this Easter egg. There’s no confirmation of either company promoting the other through this collaboration.
| Original Ocarina of Time release year | 1998 |
| Year shown by Google’s Easter egg | 1998 |
| Trigger for the Easter egg (per GamesRadar) | Click on the Master Sword |
| Nintendo Ask the Developer volume | Vol. 24 |
| Interview installments published | 3 (Chapter 1, Part 1, Part 2) |
Community Pulse
We don’t have community reaction data at the moment, so we can’t quote any player responses. However, the biggest buzz among fans seems to be about which studio is developing the remake. GameSpot suggests Nintendo’s developer interview may have settled that question.
What To Watch
- Look out for official confirmation regarding the remake’s developer, along with insights from Nintendo’s Ask the Developer series.
- Keep an eye out for a release date and platform details, as these haven’t been revealed yet.
- Watch for any comments from Google or Nintendo about the Easter egg and whether other retro tie-ins are on the way.
Alex Mercer
Alex Mercer is the Gaming News Editor at Explosion.com with over 8 years of experience covering the gaming industry. He previously wrote for several gaming publications and has attended E3, Gamescom, and The Game Awards as press. Alex specializes in breaking news coverage, studio analysis, and tracking industry trends. When not writing, he's grinding ranked matches in Valorant or exploring the latest RPG releases.
