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 be drawn to its vibrant primary colors and large, easy-to-assemble pieces, making it a guaranteed hit. On the other hand, seasoned LEGO enthusiasts will appreciate the detailed construction of the Kart and the absence of stickers; all the visual elements are expertly printed directly onto the bricks.
Out May 15### LEGO Mario Kart – Mario & Standard Kart
$169.99 at LEGO Store
The official name, LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, indicates that it falls under the LEGO Mario subgenre. This suggests that fans can look forward to more expansive Kart sets in the future. While there are smaller playset-scaled Kart sets available (see at Amazon), there is undoubtedly a market 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
View 135 Images
Comprising 17 bags, the Mario & Standard Kart set involves two distinct builds. The first is the Standard Kart, where you start by assembling a LEGO Technic mesh, secured with pins and reinforced by bricks, to create the Kart's floorboard. You then attach the body shell components using rods and clamps, including the rockets/exhaust pipes, side panels, and the steering mechanism, which also serves as the front exterior of the Kart.
Special attention should be given to the steering mechanism, which seamlessly blends form and function. It attaches to the front of the set with clamps and folds onto the hood like a hinged storm door. When you turn the steering wheel, the front wheels respond accordingly, enhancing the interactive experience.
Despite its seemingly simple appearance, the Kart's construction is intricate and detail-oriented, requiring numerous small steps to achieve the final, impressive result. This juxtaposition of complexity and playful design makes the build both sophisticated and fun.
Following the Kart, you build Mario, using a construction method similar to that of The Mighty Bowser from three years ago. You start with the torso, utilizing ball-and-socket connections at the extremities, then attach the legs, arms, and finally the head and hat. The hat, in particular, is a complex element, requiring two smaller builds to achieve its iconic, bent shape.
Building Mario allows you to appreciate the finer details that contribute to his overall appearance, such as the hair peeking out from under his hat, the markings on his gloves, and the rolled-up cuffs of his jeans. This experience is akin to assembling a jigsaw puzzle of a famous painting, where you notice subtle colors and brushstrokes that enhance your appreciation of the whole.
Unfortunately, Mario cannot be detached from the Kart; his torso is anchored directly onto a gray plate attached to the Kart seat. While this may be frustrating, it's understandable from a design perspective. A standalone, fully articulable Mario would be highly sought after, and LEGO and Nintendo are likely reserving such a model for a future release. However, enterprising LEGO fans may find ways to modify the set for independent display.
Once completed, the Kart can be mounted on a buildable stand that allows for tilting and 360-degree rotation, offering various display options. You can position the Kart as if it's going uphill, downhill, or navigating a banked turn. I enjoy posing Mario with one hand on the steering wheel and the other pumping the air, capturing his iconic "Whoo-hoo!" spirit.
If this is the direction LEGO is heading, it's a promising one. Over the past three years, some of the most impressive LEGO sets have been Mario-themed, including 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 be available exclusively at the LEGO Store starting May 15. Preorder now.
