The LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, now available for preorder, is a build that appeals to LEGO enthusiasts of all levels. Casual builders will be drawn to its vibrant primary colors and the large, easy-to-handle pieces, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking to enjoy a fun, engaging build. On the other hand, seasoned LEGO aficionados will appreciate the intricate design of the Kart's construction and the thoughtful touch of having all visual elements printed directly onto the bricks, eliminating the need for stickers.
Out May 15### LEGO Mario Kart – Mario & Standard Kart
Priced at $169.99 at the LEGO Store, the new set's official name – LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart – signifies its place under the broader LEGO Mario banner. This opens up exciting possibilities for future releases. Could we see more large-scale Kart sets, perhaps featuring Luigi in a Sports Coupe or Princess Peach on a Cat Cruiser? While smaller, playset-scaled Kart sets are already available (see at Amazon), there's certainly an eager audience for these larger, detailed models.
We Build LEGO Mario Kart - Mario and Standard Kart
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Comprising two separate builds across 17 bags, the Mario & Standard Kart set begins with the construction of the Standard Kart. This involves creating a LEGO Technic mesh secured by pins and reinforced with bricks to form the Kart's floorboard. Following this, you assemble the body shell using rods and clamps, attaching rockets/exhaust pipes, side panels, and a steering mechanism that also forms the Kart's front exterior.
The steering mechanism is particularly noteworthy for its clever integration of form and function. It attaches to the front of the set via clamps and folds onto the hood like a storm door on a hinge. When you turn the steering wheel, the front wheels turn in sync, adding a realistic touch to the build.
Despite its seemingly simple appearance, the Kart's construction is detailed and meticulous, involving many small steps that contribute to its impressive final look. It's a charming paradox that the build manages to look sophisticated and crafted, even with its playful and whimsical nature.
After completing the Kart, you move on to building Mario, following a similar process to The Mighty Bowser set from three years ago. You start with the torso, using ball-and-socket connections at the extremities, then attach the legs, arms, and finally the head and hat. The hat is the most complex part, with two smaller builds attached to the top to achieve its iconic, bent shape.
Building Mario is a delightful experience, highlighting the smaller, less noticeable details like the hair peeking out from under his hat, the markings on his gloves, and the rolled-up cuffs on his jeans. This is reminiscent of piecing together a jigsaw puzzle of a famous painting, where you start to appreciate subtle colors and brushstrokes. Similarly, constructing Mario from LEGO pieces allows you to see the intricate details that contribute to the overall character, even if they're not immediately apparent.
Unfortunately, Mario cannot be detached from the Kart. His torso is anchored directly onto a gray plate attached to the Kart's seat. While this design choice might be frustrating, it's understandable given the potential market demand for a standalone Mario figure with fully articulable limbs. LEGO and Nintendo likely wouldn't offer such a valuable piece at no extra cost. However, many LEGO enthusiasts may take on the challenge of modifying the model to allow for independent display as a DIY project.
The final product is stunning. The Kart comes with a buildable stand that can be tilted and rotated 360 degrees, offering various posing options. You can position the Kart on an incline, downhill, or in a banked turn. My favorite pose for Mario is having him grip the steering wheel with his left hand while triumphantly pumping his right hand in the air, as if shouting his signature "Whoo-hoo!"
If this is the direction LEGO is heading with their Mario-themed sets, I'm fully on board. Over the past three years, some of the most impressive LEGO sets have been Mario-related, including The Mighty Bowser in 2022 and The Piranha Plant in 2003. The LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart continues this trend, balancing exceptional build quality with striking visual presentation. 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.
