LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart Built

The LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart set, now available for preorder, is a build that appeals to a wide range of enthusiasts. Casual builders will find joy in its vibrant primary colors and the set's large, easy-to-handle pieces, making it a surefire hit. For seasoned LEGO aficionados, the intricate construction of the Kart and the use of printed details instead of stickers add a layer of sophistication that enhances the building experience.

LEGO Mario Kart – Mario & Standard Kart

Priced at $169.99 at the LEGO Store, the set's official name – LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart – hints at a new subgenre within the broader LEGO Mario universe. This raises exciting possibilities for future releases. Could we see a large 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 clearly a market for these larger, more detailed models.

We Build LEGO Mario Kart - Mario and Standard Kart

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The set is divided into 17 bags, offering two distinct builds. The first is the Standard Kart, where you assemble a LEGO Technic mesh for the floorboard, using pins and reinforced bricks. The body shell, including rockets/exhaust pipes, side panels, and the steering mechanism, is attached using rods and clamps. The steering mechanism is particularly noteworthy, ingeniously integrating form and function. It's fastened to the front via clamps and can be 'folded' onto the hood like a storm door, allowing the front wheels to turn when you manipulate the steering wheel.

The construction of the Kart is more complex and detail-oriented than one might expect. Despite its playful appearance, the build involves numerous small steps that result in a sophisticated finish, showcasing the labor and care put into its creation.

Following the Kart, you build Mario using a method similar to that of The Mighty Bowser from three years ago. The process starts with the torso, followed by legs, arms, and finally the head and hat. The hat's construction is the most complex part, requiring two smaller builds to achieve its iconic bent shape.

Building Mario allows you to appreciate the finer details that contribute to his character, such as the hair peeking out from under his hat, the markings on his gloves, and the rolled-up cuffs on his jeans. This is akin to piecing together a jigsaw puzzle of a famous painting, where you notice subtle nuances that add to the overall effect.

However, Mario cannot be separated from the Kart as his torso is directly anchored onto a gray plate that attaches to the Kart seat. While this is frustrating for some, it's understandable given the potential market for a standalone, fully articulable Mario. Enthusiasts might take on the challenge of modifying the model to stand independently as a DIY project.

The completed set is visually stunning. The Kart sits on a buildable stand that can be tilted and rotated, allowing for various dynamic poses, from uphill climbs to downhill slides. I personally enjoy posing Mario as if he's gripping the steering wheel and celebrating with a triumphant "Whoo-hoo!"

If this is the direction LEGO is taking, it's incredibly promising. 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, balancing 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 launch exclusively at the LEGO Store on May 15. Preorder now.