The LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, now available for preorder, is a set that appeals to builders of all levels. Casual builders will love the vibrant primary colors and the large, chunky pieces, making it a guaranteed hit. Experienced LEGO enthusiasts will appreciate the detailed construction of the Kart and the absence of stickers; all the visual elements are directly printed onto the bricks, enhancing the build's quality and appeal.
Out May 15### LEGO Mario Kart – Mario & Standard Kart
8$169.99 at LEGO StoreThe official name, LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, indicates it's part of the broader LEGO Mario series. This suggests potential for more sets featuring other characters and vehicles like Luigi in a Sports Coupe or Princess Peach on a Cat Cruiser. While smaller playset-scaled Kart sets are available (see at Amazon), there's a clear demand for larger, detailed models like this one.
We Build LEGO Mario Kart - Mario and Standard Kart
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This set is divided into 17 bags, comprising two separate builds. The Standard Kart is the first build, starting with a LEGO Technic mesh connected by pins and reinforced with bricks to create the floorboard. The body shell is then assembled using rods and clamps, attaching components like rockets/exhaust pipes, side panels, and a steering mechanism that doubles as the Kart's front exterior.
Special attention goes to the steering mechanism, which elegantly combines 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 an interactive element to the build.
Despite its seemingly simple appearance, constructing the Kart involves many small, intricate steps that contribute to its sophisticated look. This balance of whimsy and complexity makes the build both fun and rewarding.
Following the Kart, you build Mario, similar in structure to The Mighty Bowser set from three years ago. You start with the torso, using ball-and-socket connections for flexibility, followed by legs, arms, and finally the head and hat. The hat is particularly complex, with two separate pieces attached to create its iconic bent shape.
Building Mario allows you to appreciate his smaller details, like 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 assembling a jigsaw puzzle of a famous painting, where you discover nuances that enhance the overall experience.
Unfortunately, Mario is permanently attached to the Kart, with no separate articulation of his limbs. While this is a design choice that might frustrate some fans, it's understandable given the potential for standalone Mario figures to be highly sought after. Creative LEGO enthusiasts might find ways to modify the model for independent display.
Once complete, the Kart can be mounted on a buildable stand that allows for tilting and 360-degree rotation, offering various display options. Whether posed uphill, downhill, or in a banked turn, the set looks stunning. Positioning Mario to grip the steering wheel with one hand and celebrate with the other adds to the dynamic display.
If LEGO continues in this direction, the future looks bright. The Mario & Standard Kart set, like The Mighty Bowser and The Piranha Plant before it, maintains high standards of build quality and visual appeal. More large-scale replicas of Mario iconography would be a welcome addition to the LEGO lineup.
LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, Set #72037, retails for $169.99 and comprises 1972 pieces. It will be available exclusively at the LEGO Store starting May 15. Preorder now.
