Update: Our buddies over at Ripten contacted Nintendo of America and tried to get an official response. The Nintendo rep replied by saying “Nintendo of America has not announced anything regarding Punch-Out!! and the Wii Balance Board.” This does not mean the Italian press release was wrong. All this reveals, is a confirmation that NoA hasn’t announced anything…yet.

Just like we predicted sometime ago, Punch-Out!! for the Wii will take advantage of the Wii Balance Board. The news comes straight from Nintendo, who sent out an Italian press earlier today. The mention confirmed that the player can dodge punches from his opponents by shifting his weight side-by-side on the board. This was something I was hoping for, and thought Nintendo would add the feature to their famous boxing remake. It seemed like a perfect fit, and now I can see if it actually is.

Of course, if you don’t feel like moving, you can simply play the game like the older NES version and dodge by pressing the Wiimote’s D-pad. Yeah, screw the evolution of gaming!

Punch-Out!! for the Wii is scheduled to hit stores this May.