LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart Built

The LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, now available for preorder, is a build that's sure to captivate fans of all skill levels. Casual builders will love the vibrant primary colors and the large, easy-to-handle pieces, making it a hit at any gathering. Meanwhile, experienced LEGO enthusiasts will appreciate the intricate design of the Kart and the fact that all visual elements are printed directly onto the bricks, eliminating the need for stickers.

Launching May 15

LEGO Mario Kart – Mario & Standard Kart

Priced at $169.99, you can find this set at the LEGO Store. The 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 sets. 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 certainly demand for more expansive models like this one.

Building the LEGO Mario Kart - Mario and Standard Kart

View 135 Images

The set comes in 17 bags, with the build divided into two main parts. The Standard Kart is the first to assemble. You start with a LEGO Technic mesh framework, secured with pins and reinforced with bricks to create the Kart's floorboard. Then, you attach the body shell components using rods and clamps, including rockets/exhaust pipes, side panels, and the steering mechanism, which also forms the Kart's front.

The steering mechanism is particularly noteworthy for its seamless blend of form and function. It's attached to the front of the set with clamps and folds onto the hood like a storm door. When you turn the steering wheel, the front wheels respond accordingly, adding to the realism of the model.

Despite its seemingly simple appearance, the Kart's construction involves many meticulous steps that contribute to its impressive final form. This juxtaposition of complexity and playfulness makes the build both sophisticated and fun.

After completing the Kart, you move on to building Mario, following a similar process to the Mighty Bowser set from three years ago. You start with the torso, using ball-and-socket connections, then attach the legs, arms, and finally the head and hat. The hat is the most intricate part, requiring two separate builds to achieve its iconic shape.

Building Mario allows you to appreciate the finer details that might otherwise go unnoticed, such as the hair 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 discover new elements with each piece.

Unfortunately, Mario cannot be detached from the Kart; his torso is anchored directly onto a gray plate that connects to the Kart seat. While this is a limitation, it's understandable as a standalone, fully articulable Mario would be highly sought after. Perhaps it's a challenge for LEGO enthusiasts to take on as a DIY project.

The finished model looks stunning, mounted on a buildable stand that can tilt and rotate, allowing for dynamic poses. You can position Mario as if he's racing uphill, downhill, or sliding into a turn, complete with a celebratory "Whoo-hoo!" gesture.

If this is the direction LEGO is heading, it's a promising sign. Recent Mario-themed sets like The Mighty Bowser and The Piranha Plant have set a high bar, and the Mario & Standard Kart continues this trend with its excellent build quality and visual appeal. More large-scale Mario iconography would be a welcome addition to any LEGO collection.

The LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, Set #72037, is priced at $169.99 and consists of 1972 pieces. It will be available exclusively at the LEGO Store starting May 15. Preorder now to secure your set.