Nintendo is celebrating the return of one of its most popular video game series by hosting a "Punch-Out!! Challenge" at the Nintendo World store in Rockefeller Plaza on May 16, 2009 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Friends and family are invited to gather ringside to support each contestant on their quest to secure the World Video Boxing Association (WVBA) title (smash him Billy! Jab and move! Jab and move! Good boy, Billy!).

Thirty-two participants are expected to face off two at a time in a single-game elimination competition.

Of course, instead of strapping on boxing gloves, players will use the motion-sensing Wii Remote (Wii-mote) and Nunchuk controller to simulate throwing punches without garroting themselves on the Nunchuk tether.

The winner will walk away with a customized WVBA trophy and bragging rights as the Punch-Out!! Champion. Said bragging rights will carry weight anywhere within the Nintendo World store but not more than a block outside of it.

The winner also will receive a free copy of the new Punch-Out!! game for Wii and some swag.

Fans in attendance of the spectacle will enjoy similar swag giveaways, DJ entertainment and a chance to purchase the game before it launches on May 18.

Fans also have the opportunity to line up at kiosks to maybe play the new game as well as old retro Punch-Out games made available on the Wii's Virtual Console service.

The event is open to everyone 10-years-old and up (the game is rated 10+ by the ESRB). Oh, and they must be in New York at the time. Duh.