Mario Kart's handheld debut is a decent one, but it's occasionally frustrating and adds nothing to the series
The game's overall presentation and gameplay haven't changed much since the previous games in the series. The cast is the exact same as Mario Kart 64 (Mario, Luigi, Peach, Yoshi, Toad, Wario, Donkey Kong and Bowser) and each have their own stats based on only weight and speed. The game modes aren't terribly different from the N64 version either; you get to choose between grand prix and time trial of course, but now there is also quick run which lets you choose a track separately. This is nice since now you can just race the AI on any single track you want, rather than playing through cups to reach a certain stage. As for the stages themselves, they're ok. Compared to other entries I found these tracks to be a little more forgettable and some of them are rather bland. There is a nice large variety here though.
The game plays like your basic Mario Kart and it controls just as fine as any, though the controls may feel a little slippery at times when turning corners. To be more specific, it plays like Super Mario Kart and looks like a watered down version of Mario Kart 64, in both graphics and sound. The game can be enjoyable for the first hand held in the series, but it doesn't really add anything. One thing about Mario Kart games is while they keep the core gameplay intact, they also try new features to make them stand out. Super Mario Kart started the series and created the gameplay, and MK64 expanded on track design, item possibilities and visuals. This one, however, doesn't seem evolve in any area. It's fun, but it just looks and feels like a toned down Mario Kart 64.
If you find a friend with his own Gameboy Advance and copy of the game, you can play each other in versus mode. Here, you and up to 3 other friends can compete in the grand prix with other characters, race head to head with no AI characters, or fight in battle mode (get 3 hits on all your opponents). Another interesting feature is single-pak mode where two players can play a very scaled-down version of the game using only one game-pak and a link cable, or you can exchange your best times in time trial with each other and race each other's ghosts. Multiplayer is fun as always if you can find someone, especially racing them in grand prix mode.
In the end, Mario Kart Super Circuit isn't such a bad game and is a fun kart racer for your Gameboy Advanced. On the other hand, it is also the weakest entry in the Mario Kart series. While there is fun to be had in the large amount of tracks and the challenge it gives, but the visuals are a bit rough around the edges, the tracks aren't the greatest and it doesn't offer much compared to the rest of the series. If you want a Mario Kart to play on the go, then I highly suggest getting Mario Kart DS or even Mario Kart 7 as both are superior anyway (unless you only have a GBA, then I guess this is worth a shot anyway).