The Legend of Zelda launched on Nintendo systems in 1986, and rupees have been the series currency ever since, collected by Link from enemies, grass and treasure chests. Short pickup chimes helped players confirm a reward before detailed on-screen text was common, so the sound became tied to earning in games. Clips mixing that chime with a cash register idea spread through meme edits and soundboards, where Zelda cash now stands for any small payday, lucky find or reward moment online.