For many fans, gaming tattoos are the ultimate declaration of love for their favorite game. While some motifs are real works of art, others are more likely to cause incredulous amazement. Crooked video game heroes, failed logos and questionable design decisions show that there is often a big difference between a good idea and a successful tattoo.

We’ve collected some of the strangest gaming tattoos – and some of them really make you wonder how they came about.

Kratos

Kratos is one of the most famous characters in video game history. It’s all the more amazing how far this tattoo is from the original. Instead of the dreaded ghost warrior, the result is more reminiscent of a distant relative who didn’t exactly get the best treatment from the tattoo artist. The facial features in particular provide unintentional comedy.

Gaming mix with controller

Apparently an attempt was made to immortalize as many favorite games as possible at once. However, the result seems a bit chaotic. While some figures are still recognizable, others look clearly worn out. Crash Bandicoot in particular seems to have had a particularly bad day.

The worst gaming tattoos

“Game Over” is a phrase that gamers have known for decades. As a tattoo, however, the message is chosen boldly – especially in such a conspicuous place as the neck. Whether the motif is motivating or depressing is a matter of opinion.

Mario and Luigi memorial tattoo

Associating video game characters with a personal memory is generally not a bad idea. However, the combination of Mario, Luigi and a message of mourning seems unusual. In addition, the craftsmanship is not necessarily one of the strengths of this tattoo.

Failed cover-up

Cover-up tattoos are intended to make old motifs disappear. In this case, unfortunately, this only works to a limited extent. The original tattoo remains clearly visible, making the new design appear unfinished. An example of how cover-ups require a lot of experience.

Mortal Kombat

A large back tattoo is always an announcement. In any case, this Mortal Kombat motif doesn’t do things by halves. The amount of detail is impressive, but so is the size. Every time you look in the mirror, the owner is likely to be regularly reminded of how much he loves the fighting game series.

Anti PlayStation

Console wars actually belong on the Internet – not under the skin. This tattoo makes your own opinion unmistakably clear. It is doubtful whether this will make the carrier popular with PlayStation fans. The motif is guaranteed to be a topic of conversation.

Nintendo love

Passion for Nintendo is nothing unusual. However, this tattoo takes the enthusiasm to a whole new level. When your favorite hobby becomes permanent body jewelry, there is no longer any doubt as to which manufacturer is ahead.

Shoryuken

Before you get keyboard shortcuts tattooed, it’s worth doing a final fact check. That’s exactly what seems to have failed here. Street Fighter fans in particular should discover the error immediately. Because in reality, Shoryuken’s key combination is: left, down, down-left + punch.

Kratos – the second

Kratos has been through a lot throughout his career. But this tattoo is probably not one of his greatest successes. The facial features appear so idiosyncratic that even die-hard God of War fans probably have to look twice.

Zelda ass antlers

As is well known, tastes can be debated. That also applies to this ass antler. What is noticeable, however, is that the motif does not entirely correspond to the official logo of the series. Fans of Hyrule will probably notice the difference straight away.

PlayStation controller

Some people carry their hobby in their hearts, others directly on their skin. In any case, this controller tattoo is extremely practical: If the owner forgets what a PlayStation controller looks like, just a quick look at the hands is enough.

GameBoy

The legendary Game Boy has accompanied generations of gamers. However, this tattoo only lives up to its cult status to a limited extent. At least: The Konami code below seems to be correct. Maybe there is a secret extra life behind it.

Hadouken

Street Fighter has produced many iconic moments. A Hadouken on the head is probably not one of them. The idea is creative, but the implementation seems a bit half-baked. But the tattoo is definitely unmissable.

Super Mario Bros.

Mario and Luigi on the feet are certainly an unusual choice. The stinging was probably anything but pleasant, especially on the inside. After all, the two plumbers now literally accompany their owner every step of the way.

Marvel vs Capcom

Apparently no favorite character was chosen here – but half the game. The result is reminiscent of a complete selection of characters directly on your stomach. If you can’t decide, just take them all.

Level up

This tattoo should be immediately understandable for role-playing fans. After all, everyone dreams of simply climbing a few levels in real life. However, the implementation looks more like a permanently displayed HUD.

Atari

Retro love can take many forms. This Atari tattoo relies primarily on a drastic effect. Instead of nostalgic memories, the motif at first glance gives the impression of a failed special effect.

Boo hoo

The ghosts from Super Mario are actually some of the rather cute enemies. However, on this owner’s forearms they appear somewhat disoriented. No wonder – after all, they seem to hang around upside down.

Goomba

Tattoos on the feet seem to be surprisingly popular among gaming fans. In any case, this goomba has chosen a particularly unusual place. The idea is original, but the result may not be to everyone’s taste.

Controller buttons

Some people identify strongly with their hobby. And then there’s this guy. The iconic PlayStation symbols are among the most well-known gaming symbols – here they immediately became a central part of your own look.

Pac-Man partner tattoo

Partner tattoos are always a risk. If the implementation also weakens, it becomes particularly difficult. In any case, the two Pac-Man motifs seem as if they had different ideas about the direction in which the journey should go.

Pac-Man… or something else?

If you’ve made it this far, you’ve already survived some questionable gaming tattoos. This finale tops it all off again. What exactly is supposed to be shown here remains a bit of a mystery – and perhaps that is exactly the problem.

The worst gaming tattoos

Gaming tattoos can be impressive works of art – or cause involuntary laughter. The examples in this series of pictures show that even the most popular video game series are not safe from strange tattoo ideas.