The LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart set, now available for preorder, is a delightful addition to any LEGO collection. Whether you're a casual builder or a seasoned enthusiast, this set has something for everyone. Casual builders will be drawn to its vibrant primary colors and the large, easy-to-assemble pieces, ensuring it's a hit with builders of all ages. On the other hand, experienced LEGO aficionados will appreciate the intricate construction of the Kart, along with the high-quality, printed details on the bricks, eliminating the need for stickers.
Out May 15### LEGO Mario Kart – Mario & Standard Kart
$169.99 at LEGO StoreThe LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart set marks a new subgenre under the expansive LEGO Mario umbrella. This development raises exciting possibilities for future releases. Could we see larger sets 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 clearly a demand for these more expansive and detailed models.
We Build LEGO Mario Kart - Mario and Standard Kart
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Divided into 17 bags, the LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart set comprises two distinct builds. The first is the Standard Kart, which starts with a LEGO Technic mesh foundation, reinforced by bricks and held together with pins. You then attach the body shell components, including rockets/exhaust pipes, side panels, and a steering mechanism that also serves as the Kart's front exterior.
This steering mechanism is particularly noteworthy for its seamless integration of form and function. It attaches to the front via clamps and folds onto the hood like a hinged storm door. When you turn the steering wheel, the front wheels respond in kind, adding an interactive element to the build.
While the Kart may appear straightforward, its construction involves meticulous attention to detail. Each small step contributes to the overall sophisticated yet whimsical aesthetic, blending complexity with playfulness in a way that's both surprising and delightful.
After completing the Kart, you move on to building Mario, which follows a similar assembly process seen in The Mighty Bowser set from three years ago. You start with the torso, then attach the legs, arms, and finally the head and hat. The hat, with its intricate design, is the most challenging part of Mario's build, featuring two separate smaller builds to achieve its iconic, bent shape.
Building Mario reveals the finer details that make up his character—from the hair peeking out from under his hat to the markings on his gloves and the rolled-up cuffs on his jeans. It's akin to assembling a jigsaw puzzle of a famous painting, where you notice and appreciate the subtle nuances that contribute to the whole. This detailed building experience is something my 10-year-old son and I thoroughly enjoy.
One limitation of the set is that Mario cannot be detached from the Kart. His torso is anchored directly to the Kart's seat, a design choice that might frustrate some but makes sense from a marketing perspective. While there's no official way to separate them, the LEGO community will likely find innovative ways to modify the model for independent display.
Once finished, the Kart can be mounted on a buildable stand that allows for tilting and 360-degree rotation. This feature lets you pose the Kart in various dynamic positions, whether it's racing uphill, downhill, or navigating a banked turn. I like to pose Mario gripping the steering wheel with one hand while pumping the air with the other, capturing his iconic "Whoo-hoo!" moment.
If LEGO continues in this direction, it's a promising sign for fans. The Mario & Standard Kart set upholds the high standards set by previous Mario-themed releases like The Mighty Bowser (2022) and The Piranha Plant (2003), balancing build quality with striking visual appeal. The more large-scale replicas of Mario iconography we get, the better.
LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, Set #72037, is priced at $169.99 and includes 1972 pieces. It will be available exclusively at the LEGO Store starting May 15. Preorder now.
