Google is offering a nostalgic look at its earlier search experience through a retro interface inspired by The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. The tribute also highlights how dramatically Google Search has changed: generative AI, sponsored content, suggested searches and social media links can now appear before traditional web results.
In today’s Google search results, web links are far down the page. Credit: Google
A nostalgic view of Google Search
Users can click the sword again to return to the latest version of Google search results. The retro experience is deliberately limited, however. Searching for a topic from the older interface quickly brings users back to the modern Google experience, where AI-generated content, sponsored results, suggested searches and links to social media can appear prominently.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time left a lasting impression on a generation of gamers, some of whom may now work at Google. The company’s goal is likely to use that nostalgia to build interest in Nintendo’s upcoming launch, but the tribute also carries a more reflective message.
Displaying Google’s simple, minimalist search interface from the past makes the changes to the company’s core product especially visible. Google’s generative AI efforts are reshaping Search in ways that many people do not like, while traditional web links can now be pushed far down the results page.
Ocarina of Time returns on Nintendo Switch 2
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time has also been substantially updated. The remastered game has been reimagined with smooth Nintendo Switch 2 graphics, modern movement and camera controls, and numerous quality-of-life improvements.
The game is available for pre-order. The digital version currently costs $60, while the physical version costs $70. Nintendo will release it for Nintendo Switch 2 on November 5.
Source: arstechnica.com