LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart Unveiled

The LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, now available for preorder, is a set that captures the hearts of builders of all skill levels. Casual builders will delight in its vibrant primary colors and chunky, easy-to-assemble parts, making it an instant crowd-pleaser. Meanwhile, seasoned LEGO enthusiasts will appreciate the intricate construction of the Kart and the sophisticated touch of having every visual detail printed directly onto the bricks, eliminating the need for stickers.

Out May 15### LEGO Mario Kart – Mario & Standard Kart

8$169.99 at LEGO StoreThe official name, LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, signifies its place within the broader LEGO Mario universe. This suggests the potential for more expansive Kart sets in the future. While smaller, playset-scaled Kart sets are available (see at Amazon), there's clearly a demand for larger builds, such as a Luigi in a Sports Coupe or Princess Peach on a Cat Cruiser.

We Build LEGO Mario Kart - Mario and Standard Kart

View 135 ImagesThis set is divided into 17 bags, featuring two main builds. The first is the Standard Kart, constructed with a LEGO Technic mesh secured by pins and reinforced with bricks to form the floorboard. The body shell is then meticulously assembled using rods and clamps, incorporating rockets/exhaust pipes, side panels, and a steering mechanism that doubles as the Kart's front exterior.

Special attention must be given to the steering mechanism, which ingeniously blends form and function. It attaches to the front via clamps and folds onto the hood like a storm door on a hinge. When you turn the steering wheel, the front wheels move in sync, adding a realistic touch to the build.

Despite its seemingly simple appearance, the Kart's construction involves numerous small, detailed steps that culminate in a visually impressive result. This blend of complexity and whimsy makes the build both sophisticated and fun.

Following the Kart, you build Mario, whose construction mirrors that of The Mighty Bowser from three years ago. Starting with the torso, you connect ball-and-socket joints at the extremities, then attach the legs, arms, and finally the head and hat. The hat is the most intricate part, requiring two smaller builds to achieve its distinctive bent shape.

Building Mario allows you to appreciate the finer details that contribute to his iconic look, such as 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 piecing together a jigsaw puzzle of a famous painting, where you discover nuances you might otherwise overlook.

Unfortunately, Mario cannot be detached from the Kart, as his torso is anchored directly onto a gray plate that attaches to the Kart's seat. While this may be frustrating, it's understandable, as a standalone, fully articulated Mario would be a highly sought-after item.

Creative LEGO fans might find ways to modify the model for independent display, making it a potential DIY project for a rainy day.

Once completed, the Kart can be mounted on a buildable stand that allows for tilting and 360-degree rotation, enabling various dynamic poses—whether it's going uphill, downhill, or sliding into a banked turn. I personally enjoy posing Mario with one hand on the steering wheel and the other pumping the air, capturing his iconic "Whoo-hoo!" spirit.

If LEGO continues in this direction, it's a promising sign. Over the past three years, Mario-themed sets like The Mighty Bowser and The Piranha Plant have set high standards, and the Mario & Standard Kart follows suit by seamlessly blending build quality with visual appeal. More large-scale replicas of Mario iconography would be a welcome addition to any LEGO collection.

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.