Must you use Game Boy Advance?

I stupidly bought this game assuming that you could use normal GC controllers for the multiplayer, and I'm not sure if I want to buy two GBAs just to play it...

First, is there really no way around this?

Second, can a DS connect to the same cable to plug into the GC controller port on a Wii?

Finally, does this game really suck that much on single player that I should return it if I don't want to spend the extra on 2 GBAs (one for me, and one for my nephew) just to play it?

There's no way around it. A DS doesn't work.

As for whether it sucks on single player, well, that's up to you to decide. I like it.

I wouldn't say it sucks on single player, but it's certainly more enjoyable when you play it with others.