LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart Unveiled

The LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, now available for preorder, is a set that promises to captivate LEGO enthusiasts of all levels. For casual builders, the set's vibrant primary colors and large, chunky pieces make it an instant favorite, perfect for those who enjoy a straightforward and fun building experience. Meanwhile, seasoned LEGO aficionados will revel in the intricate construction of the Kart, appreciating the detailed design and the absence of stickers. Every visual detail is masterfully printed directly onto the bricks, enhancing the overall quality and appeal of the set.

Out May 15

LEGO Mario Kart – Mario & Standard Kart

Priced at $169.99 at the LEGO Store, the LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart is a testament to LEGO's commitment to the Mario franchise, signaling the start of a new subgenre under the LEGO Mario banner. This development paves the way for more exciting Kart sets in the future. While smaller, playset-scaled Kart sets are available (see at Amazon), the demand for larger, detailed sets featuring characters like Luigi in a Sports Coupe or Princess Peach on a Cat Cruiser is unmistakable.

We Build LEGO Mario Kart - Mario and Standard Kart

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Divided into 17 bags, the Mario & Standard Kart set offers two distinct builds. The first is the Standard Kart, where you start by constructing a LEGO Technic mesh, secured with pins and reinforced by bricks, to form the Kart's floorboard. You then attach the body shell components using rods and clamps, including the rockets/exhaust pipes, side panels, and the steering mechanism, which also serves as the front exterior of the Kart.

The steering mechanism is a highlight, seamlessly blending form with function. It attaches to the front of the set with clamps and folds onto the hood like a storm door on a hinge. This ingenious design allows the front wheels to turn in sync with the steering wheel, adding an interactive element to the build.

The construction process of the Kart is more intricate than it appears, involving numerous small steps that culminate in a visually impressive and sophisticated result. This juxtaposition of complexity and whimsy makes the build both challenging and enjoyable.

Following the Kart, you build Mario, following a similar construction process to The Mighty Bowser set from three years ago. You begin with the torso, utilizing ball-and-socket connections at the extremities, then proceed to build the legs, arms, and finally, the head and hat. The hat, in particular, is a complex build, with two smaller components attached to the top of Mario's head to achieve its iconic, bent shape.

Building Mario allowed for an appreciation of his smaller, less noticeable details, such as the hair peeking from under his hat, the markings on his gloves, and the rolled-up cuffs on his jeans. This experience is akin to assembling a jigsaw puzzle of a famous painting, where you discover nuances that enhance your overall appreciation of the final piece.

Regrettably, Mario cannot be detached from the Kart; his torso directly anchors onto a gray plate attached to the Kart seat. While this may be frustrating for some, it's a design choice that LEGO and Nintendo have made, perhaps to encourage the purchase of standalone Mario figures in the future. Nonetheless, many LEGO enthusiasts may find creative ways to modify the set for a standalone Mario, making it a potential DIY project for a rainy weekend.

The finished model is stunning, mounted on a buildable stand that can be tilted and rotated 360 degrees. This feature allows for dynamic posing of the Kart, whether navigating uphill, downhill, or sliding into a banked turn. I've posed my Mario to grip the steering wheel with his left hand while pumping the air with his right, capturing the essence of his iconic "Whoo-hoo!" cheer.

If this set is indicative of LEGO's future direction with Mario-themed sets, it's a promising sign. Following in the footsteps of impressive sets like The Mighty Bowser (2022) and The Piranha Plant (2003), the Mario & Standard Kart set strikes a perfect balance between build quality and visual appeal. The more large-scale replicas of Mario iconography we see, the better.

LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, Set #72037, comprises 1972 pieces and is priced at $169.99. It will be available exclusively at the LEGO Store starting May 15. Preorder now to secure your set.