LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart Unveiled

The LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, currently available for preorder, is a delightful build that appeals to both casual and experienced LEGO enthusiasts. Casual builders will love the vibrant primary colors and the chunky, easy-to-assemble pieces, making it a hit with everyone. For the seasoned builders, the set offers intricate construction details and the joy of having every visual element printed directly onto the bricks, eliminating the need for stickers.

LEGO Mario Kart – Mario & Standard Kart

Priced at $169.99, available at the LEGO Store, the officially named LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart hints at a broader LEGO Mario universe. This opens up exciting possibilities for future sets, such as a large Luigi in a Sports Coupe or a grand Princess Peach on a Cat Cruiser. While smaller, playset-scaled Kart sets exist (see at Amazon), the demand for these larger, detailed models is undeniable.

Building the LEGO Mario Kart - Mario and Standard Kart

View 135 Images

The set, divided into 17 bags, comprises two distinct builds: the Standard Kart and Mario himself. The Kart's construction begins with a LEGO Technic mesh, forming the floorboard with pins and reinforcing bricks. The body shell, including rockets/exhaust pipes, side panels, and the steering mechanism, is meticulously assembled using rods and clamps. The steering mechanism is particularly noteworthy, seamlessly integrating form and function. It attaches to the front via clamps and folds onto the hood, mimicking a storm door on a hinge. Turning the steering wheel causes the front wheels to move, enhancing the interactive experience.

The Kart's construction is more detailed than it appears, requiring numerous small steps that culminate in a visually sophisticated model. Despite its whimsical and playful appearance, the build process feels rewarding and showcases the craftsmanship involved.

After completing the Kart, you move on to building Mario, following a similar procedure to The Mighty Bowser from three years ago. The build starts with the torso, connected by ball-and-socket joints, followed by the legs, arms, and finally, the head and hat. The hat, the most intricate part, is constructed from two smaller pieces attached to Mario's head, capturing its iconic bent shape.

Building Mario allows you to appreciate the finer 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 colors and brushstrokes that would otherwise go unnoticed. It's a rewarding process that highlights the nuances contributing to Mario's iconic look.

Unfortunately, Mario cannot be separated from the Kart; his torso is anchored directly to the Kart's seat. While this design choice is understandable, it's also frustrating as a standalone Mario figure with fully articulable limbs would be highly sought after. LEGO enthusiasts might find ways to modify the model for independent display, perhaps as a fun DIY project for a rainy weekend.

The final build is stunning, mounted on a buildable stand that can tilt and rotate 360 degrees, allowing for dynamic posing. You can position the Kart on an incline, decline, or mid-turn, adding to the display's versatility. I personally enjoy posing Mario as if he's driving, with one hand on the steering wheel and the other pumping the air, almost hearing his signature "Whoo-hoo!"

If this is the future direction for LEGO, it's incredibly promising. Over the past three years, some of the most impressive LEGO sets have been Mario-themed, including The Mighty Bowser (2022) and The Piranha Plant (2003). The Mario & Standard Kart set upholds this high standard, beautifully balancing build quality and visual appeal. The more large-scale replicas of Mario's iconic world we receive, the better.

LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, Set #72037, is priced at $169.99 and consists of 1972 pieces. It will launch exclusively at the LEGO Store on May 15. Preorder now.