As March Madness kicks off in the world of college basketball, we’re bringing our own version of the Madness to gaming. The Elite 8 Gaming Bracket is here, featuring eight of the most exciting and popular games of 2025. In true March Madness fashion, we’ve got matchups that will have you on the edge of your seat, and we want YOU to decide who advances to the championship.
Tournament Categories
Sports Games
- NBA 2K25: NBA 2K25 brings the excitement of basketball to life with realistic gameplay, cool graphics, and an awesome MyCareer mode. Whether you’re a die-hard basketball fan or just love a good sports game, NBA 2K25 gives you tons of ways to compete and have fun.
- NCAA College Football 25: College football fans have been waiting for this game to come back, and it’s finally here! With great graphics, team management, and a fun college football experience, NCAA College Football 25 brings the excitement of college sports to your screen.
Arcade / Nintendo Games
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: Smash Bros. Ultimate is one of the best party games around, with tons of characters from different games. Fast, fun, and full of surprises, this crossover fighting game is perfect for any group of friends or competitive gamers.
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is all about fun, fast-paced racing. With colorful tracks, beloved Mario characters, and multiplayer madness, it’s the perfect game to race your friends and have a blast.
RPG Games
- Assassin’s Creed: Mirage: In Mirage, you’ll explore the stunning world of ancient Baghdad as an assassin. With stealth gameplay and cool parkour mechanics, this entry takes you back to the series’ roots, offering an epic, action-packed experience.
- Elden Ring: Shadow of the Eldritch: Elden Ring continues its legacy with a huge open world, tough enemies, and a dark, gripping story. It’s a challenging game that rewards those who love exploring and battling tough bosses.
Shooter/Fighting Games
- Street Fighter 6: Street Fighter keeps the legendary fighting series going with new moves, characters, and great graphics. It’s a game for fans of both casual and competitive play, with a rich history of action-packed matches.
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2: MWII is a remastered classic, bringing back iconic maps and missions with updated graphics. It’s all about fast-paced shooting action, whether you’re in multiplayer battles or going through the intense campaign.
Elite 8 Matchups
1. NBA 2K25 vs. 6. Street Fighter 6
- Why These Games?: One game is a fast-paced basketball sim, and the other is a classic fighting game. Both are packed with action and strategy, making for an exciting matchup.
2. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate vs. 7. NCAA College Football 25
- Why These Games?: Whether you’re smashing your friends or managing a college football team, both games deliver non-stop fun. Which one will come out on top?
3. Assassin’s Creed: Mirage vs. 5. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
- Why These Games?: A battle between stealthy assassins and modern-day warfare. One is all about history, the other is all about action. Which one is your favorite?
4. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Eldritch vs. 8. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Why These Games?: Elden Ring is all about deep lore and tough battles, while Mario Kart is about light-hearted, speedy racing. A fun contrast between challenge and enjoyment.
How Will You Vote?
It’s time to vote for your favorite game! As the bracket heats up, decide which games move on to the next round and, ultimately, claim the title of Elite 8 Gaming Champion.
Head over to @aurnonline on IG to place your vote. The tournament is about to get intense—let’s see which games come out on top!
