The LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, currently available for preorder, is a set that appeals to builders of all skill levels. Casual builders will enjoy the vibrant primary colors and the set's large, chunky pieces, making it a surefire hit for everyone. Experienced LEGO enthusiasts will appreciate the detailed construction of the Kart and the fact that all visual elements are printed directly onto the bricks, eliminating the need for stickers.
LEGO Mario Kart – Mario & Standard Kart
Priced at $169.99 at the LEGO Store, the full name of the set, LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, indicates that it falls under the LEGO Mario subgenre. This suggests the potential for more expansive Kart sets in the future. While there are already smaller playset-scaled Kart sets available (see at Amazon), fans are eager 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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The set is divided into 17 bags, comprising two main builds. The first build is the Standard Kart. You start by constructing a LEGO Technic mesh, secured with pins and reinforced with bricks, to form the Kart's floorboard. The body shell is then assembled using rods and clamps, including the rockets/exhaust pipes, side panels, and a steering mechanism that also shapes the front exterior of the Kart.
The steering mechanism is particularly noteworthy for how it integrates form with 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 turn accordingly, adding an interactive element to the build.
The construction process of the Kart is more intricate than it appears, involving many small steps that culminate in a sophisticated final product. This juxtaposition of complexity with the set's playful aesthetic is truly delightful.
Following the Kart, you build Mario, using a similar technique to that of The Mighty Bowser set from three years ago. You begin with the torso, followed by the legs, arms, and finally the head and hat. The hat is the most complex part, requiring two smaller builds to achieve its iconic bent shape.
Building Mario allowed me 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. It's akin to assembling a jigsaw puzzle of a famous painting, where you notice nuances that enhance the overall image.
Unfortunately, Mario cannot be separated from the Kart; his torso is anchored directly to the Kart seat, which is both frustrating and understandable. While many LEGO fans might find ways to modify the set for a standalone Mario, there's currently no official method to do so. It could be a fun DIY project for a rainy day.
The finished set looks stunning. The Kart comes with a buildable stand that can be tilted and rotated 360 degrees, allowing for dynamic posing. Whether you're setting it uphill, downhill, or into a banked turn, the possibilities are endless. I pose Mario gripping the steering wheel with one hand and pumping the air with the other, almost hearing his iconic "Whoo-hoo!"
LEGO's direction with Mario-themed sets has been impressive. Following The Mighty Bowser in 2022 and The Piranha Plant in 2003, the Mario & Standard Kart continues to set a high standard by combining build quality with visual appeal. The more large-scale replicas of Mario iconography we see, the better.
LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, Set #72037, retails for $169.99 and consists of 1972 pieces. It will be available exclusively at the LEGO Store starting May 15. Preorder now.
