The LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart set, currently available for preorder, is a delightful build that appeals to LEGO enthusiasts of all skill levels. Casual builders will enjoy the vibrant primary colors and the large, chunky pieces, making it an instant hit. Meanwhile, seasoned LEGO builders will appreciate the intricate construction of the Kart, which features no stickers; all decorative elements are directly printed on the bricks, enhancing the build's quality and appeal.
Out May 15
LEGO Mario Kart – Mario & Standard Kart
Priced at $169.99 at the LEGO Store, the set's full name – LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart – indicates that it's part of a broader LEGO Mario series. This raises hopes for more expansive Kart sets in the future. While smaller, playset-scaled Kart sets are available (see at Amazon), there's a clear demand for larger sets featuring characters like Luigi in a Sports Coupe or Princess Peach on a Cat Cruiser.
We Build LEGO Mario Kart - Mario and Standard Kart
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Divided into 17 bags, the Mario & Standard Kart set includes two separate builds. The first is the Standard Kart, constructed using a LEGO Technic mesh supported by pins and reinforced with bricks to form the Kart's floorboard. The body shell components, such as rockets/exhaust pipes, side panels, and the steering mechanism, attach via rods and clamps.
The steering mechanism is particularly noteworthy for its seamless integration of form and function. It connects to the front of the set with clamps and folds onto the hood like a storm door on a hinge. Turning the steering wheel results in corresponding movement of the front wheels, adding to the set's interactivity.
The Kart's assembly process is more detailed than it appears, requiring many small steps to achieve the final sophisticated look. Despite its playful design, the build showcases the effort and skill involved in its creation.
After completing the Kart, you build Mario, following a construction method similar to The Mighty Bowser set from three years ago. The build starts with the torso using ball-and-socket connections, followed by the legs, arms, and finally the head and hat. The hat is the most complex part, featuring two smaller builds that give it its iconic, bent shape.
Building Mario allows you to appreciate his smaller, less noticeable details, such as the hair peeking out 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 notice subtle elements that contribute to the overall image.
Unfortunately, Mario cannot be detached from the Kart; his torso directly connects to the Kart's seat without a separate butt piece. While this is frustrating, it's understandable as a standalone, fully articulable Mario would be highly sought after. Creative LEGO fans might find ways to modify the set for independent display, offering a fun DIY project for the future.
The finished set is visually stunning. The Kart mounts on a buildable stand that can tilt and rotate, allowing for various display options, from uphill to downhill positions or banked turns. My favorite pose has Mario gripping the steering wheel with one hand and pumping the air with the other, embodying the spirit of the game with a spirited "Whoo-hoo!"
If this is the direction LEGO is heading, I'm all in. Over the past three years, two of the most impressive LEGO sets have been Mario-themed: The Mighty Bowser in 2022 and The Piranha Plant in 2003. The Mario & Standard Kart set upholds this high standard by balancing build quality with visual appeal. More large-scale replicas of Mario iconography are eagerly anticipated.
LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, Set #72037, retails for $169.99 and consists of 1972 pieces. It will launch exclusively at the LEGO Store on May 15. Preorder now.
