Nintendo bringing Wii U, 3DS to Sundance

Nintendo is hoping filmgoers at this week's Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, will spend some of their free time thinking about games. The Mario maker has announced it will host several events during the annual film gathering, the first of which is the Wii U Video Challenge.

To be held tomorrow, January 17, the Wii U Video Challenge is an event that will showcase films about the next generation of game consoles. Three short films will make their premiere at the event, including those focusing on Wii U and New Super Mario Bros. U.

Nintendo executives, "industry influencers," and other "VIPs" will be in attendance during the event. A live audience will vote to determine the winning film.

On January 18, Nintendo will open its Nintendo Lounge to executives and celebrities before opening to the public on January 21. Inside, fans can play a range of Wii U and 3DS games, including the already released Nintendo Land and ZombiU, as well as upcoming games like Wii Fit U and Rayman Legends.

As for its 3DS showing, the Nintendo Lounge will let attendees go hands-on with New Super Mario Bros. 2 and Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask, as well as three upcoming games: Brain Age: Concentration Training, Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon, and Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate.

Games had a part in last year's Sundance Film Festival as well, with Indie Game: The Movie taking home the Best Editing accolade within the World Cinema Documentary Competition.