LEGO Mario Kart: Building Mario & Standard Kart

The LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart set, now available for preorder, is a creation that appeals to builders of all skill levels. Casual builders will be drawn to its vibrant primary colors and large, chunky pieces, ensuring it's a hit with everyone. On the other hand, seasoned LEGO enthusiasts will appreciate the detailed construction of the Kart and the fact that all visual elements are directly printed on the bricks, eliminating the need for stickers.

Out May 15

LEGO Mario Kart – Mario & Standard Kart

Priced at $169.99, available at the LEGO Store, the full name of the set—LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart—signals it as part of the broader LEGO Mario series. This raises exciting possibilities for future releases. Could we see more large-scale Kart sets featuring characters like Luigi in a Sports Coupe or Princess Peach on a Cat Cruiser? While smaller playset-scaled Kart sets are already available (see at Amazon), the demand for these larger models is clear.

We Build LEGO Mario Kart - Mario and Standard Kart

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The set, divided into 17 bags, consists of two main builds. The first is the Standard Kart, where you start by constructing a LEGO Technic mesh base, secured with pins and reinforced with bricks. The Kart's body is then assembled using rods and clamps, incorporating elements like rockets/exhaust pipes, side panels, and a steering mechanism that also serves as the front exterior.

The steering mechanism is particularly noteworthy for its integration of form and function. It's attached to the front via clamps and folds onto the hood like a hinged storm door. When you turn the steering wheel, the front wheels follow suit, adding to the realism and interactivity of the build.

The Kart's construction is surprisingly intricate, requiring numerous small steps to achieve its impressive final look. Despite its playful and whimsical appearance, the build exudes a sophistication that reflects the effort invested in its design.

After completing the Kart, you move on to building Mario, which follows a similar process to The Mighty Bowser set from three years ago. You start with the torso, followed by the legs, arms, and finally, the head and hat. The hat is the most complex part, requiring two separate pieces to achieve its iconic bent shape.

Building Mario allowed me to appreciate the finer details that contribute to his overall appearance, such as the hair peeking out from under his hat, the markings on his gloves, and the rolled-up cuffs of his jeans. It's akin to piecing together a jigsaw puzzle of a famous painting, where you notice nuances that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Unfortunately, Mario is not detachable from the Kart; his torso is directly anchored to a gray plate attached to the Kart's seat. While this might be disappointing, it's understandable given the potential demand for a standalone, fully articulable Mario figure. LEGO and Nintendo are likely saving such a model for a future release. Meanwhile, creative fans might take this as a challenge for a DIY project on a rainy day.

The finished product is visually stunning. The Kart is mounted on a buildable stand that can be tilted and rotated 360 degrees, allowing for dynamic posing. Whether you have Mario gripping the steering wheel or celebrating a victory with a "Whoo-hoo!", the set offers plenty of display options.

If this is the direction LEGO is heading, it's a promising one. Over the past three years, some of the most impressive LEGO sets have been Mario-themed, including The Mighty Bowser in 2022 and The Piranha Plant in 2003. The Mario & Standard Kart set continues this trend, striking a perfect balance between build quality and visual appeal. The more large-scale replicas of Mario iconography we get, the better.

LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, Set #72037, retails for $169.99 and comprises 1972 pieces. It will launch exclusively at the LEGO Store on May 15. Preorder now.