{
  "id": 19514767,
  "title": "Ocarina of Time is even better if you use a smartphone app",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/11/ocarina-of-time-is-even-better-if-you-use-a-smartphone-app",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-11-11T15:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Verge",
    "slug": "the-verge",
    "url": "https://www.theverge.com/games/1031321/the-legend-of-zelda-ocarina-of-time-notes-app-gold-skulltula"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Finding all the hidden collectibles in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time can be a daunting task. The game boasts 100 Golden Skulltulas scattered throughout Hyrule, and even after many hours playing the original N64 classic, I never felt confident that I had found them all. When I tried the remake, I was expecting to ignore these collectibles once again. However, I discovered that the Zelda Notes companion app, available within the free Nintendo Switch app, can greatly assist in tracking down these elusive treasures and other game items.\n\nThe app provides a detailed map of Hyrule, with zoomable areas that show icons marking various collectibles. By tapping on an icon, the app reveals any required items or special conditions needed to obtain the item. There are also filters to switch between the child and adult Link maps, and to toggle categories of icons on or off. For example, while exploring the Shadow Temple, I couldn't figure out how to access a Skulltula that I saw near an elevator. However, the Zelda Notes app showed me that I needed the Scarecrow Song to create a hookshot point, which I then prioritized obtaining after completing the dungeon.\n\nDespite initially finding the app a bit annoying to use, I now find it incredibly helpful in locating the majority of the game's collectibles. While it may seem counterintuitive to use my phone while trying to escape it, Zelda Notes allows me to quickly access the information I need and get back to playing. I've already found over 70 Golden Skulltulas, and now I'm even more motivated to hunt for the remaining 28.",
  "summary": "I never liked hunting for Golden Skulltulas in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. The game has 100 of them tucked all over Hyrule, and even over my many hours with the N64 classic growing up, I can't remember ever actually finding all of them, or even wanting to. Jumping into the Ocarina of […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}