Google’s retro search interface offers a nostalgic glimpse of the company’s earlier, minimalist design, but clicking the sword again returns users to the latest version of Google Search. The contrast highlights how dramatically the service has changed, with generative AI, sponsored content, suggested searches and social media links now appearing before many traditional web results.
The retro experience is tied to The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, a game that left its mark on a generation of players—some of whom apparently went on to work at Google. The company is likely using that nostalgia to build excitement for Nintendo’s major launch, but the presentation also carries a sense of loss. As Google’s generative AI efforts reshape Search in ways many users dislike, the simple interface serves as a reminder of how much the company’s core product has changed.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time has also been substantially reworked. The remastered game features redesigned graphics for Switch 2, modern movement and camera controls, numerous quality-of-life improvements and more. The game is available for pre-order. The digital version currently costs $60, while the physical version costs $70. It will be released for Nintendo Switch 2 on November 5th.
Source: arstechnica.com
