Mario Kart: Super Circuit
Game Boy Advance £34.99 Nintendo *****
"Nintendo thumb" - a digit-aching complaint first suffered by gamers in the early 90s - is set for a comeback. The reason? Mario Kart: Super Circuit on the Game Boy Advance - the most addictive and enjoyable release on the format so far.

The third instalment in the seminal racing series, Super Circuit takes aspects from the SNES and N64 versions but keeps the core elements. So expect fast driving, cute, yet deadly, weaponry, and a splendid multiplayer option. The main meat is provided by the all-encompassing GP mode that is as compulsive as it is time-consuming.

If competing for cups seems like too much hard work then quicker thrills can be had in the time trial, but whichever option you choose, the perfectly judged learning curve and deceptively subtle gameplay will have you hooked.

The races rarely get dull. The leader can never relax as lower-ranked competitors will usually get the better weapons and it often pays to hang back till nearer the end. In multiplayer mode, up to four players can compete using one cartridge.

However, for the full effect, every player will need a cartridge, though the expense is worth it. The GBA's horrendously dark screen does not help, but Mario Kart looks the part. Fast colourful graphics and easily identifiable characters and weapons make this second only to Rayman in the GBA beauty stakes. The only real problem is the GBA itself. The need to use shoulder buttons makes it uncomfortable to play for long periods. Unfortunately, with something as addictive as Mario Kart, this is an occupational hazard.