LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart Built by Us

The LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, now available for preorder, is a set that appeals to builders of all skill levels. Casual enthusiasts will love the vibrant primary colors and the chunky, easy-to-handle pieces, making it a hit at any gathering. Meanwhile, seasoned LEGO builders will appreciate the detailed construction of the Kart, especially 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, available exclusively at the LEGO Store, this set marks a new subgenre under the broader LEGO Mario banner. Given its success, it's reasonable to anticipate more large-scale Kart sets in the future. Think about the potential for sets like a large Luigi in a Sports Coupe or Princess Peach on a Cat Cruiser, which could attract a dedicated fanbase.

We Build LEGO Mario Kart - Mario and Standard Kart

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The set, divided into 17 bags, consists of two main builds. The first is the Standard Kart, where you'll start by constructing a LEGO Technic mesh for the floorboard, held together by pins and reinforced with bricks. You then assemble the body shell using rods and clamps, including the rockets/exhaust pipes, side panels, and a steering mechanism that forms part of the Kart's front exterior.

The steering mechanism is particularly noteworthy as it elegantly combines form and function. It's fastened to the front of the set and folds onto the hood like a storm door on a hinge. When you turn the steering wheel, the front wheels respond accordingly, enhancing the playability and realism of the build.

The construction of the Kart is more detailed than it appears at first glance. Despite its playful and whimsical design, the build requires a series of intricate steps that result in a sophisticated final product, showcasing the craftsmanship involved.

Following the Kart, you'll build Mario, using a construction method similar to that of The Mighty Bowser set from three years ago. You start with the torso, using ball-and-socket connections, then add 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 allows you to appreciate the finer details that contribute to his character, such as the hair under his hat, the markings on his gloves, and the rolled-up cuffs on his jeans. This experience is akin to piecing together a jigsaw puzzle of a famous painting, where you discover nuances that you might otherwise overlook.

One limitation is that Mario cannot be separated from the Kart. His torso is anchored directly onto a gray plate attached to the Kart seat. While this design choice may be frustrating, it's understandable from a business perspective. However, fans might find creative ways to modify the set to make Mario stand alone.

The final display of the set is impressive, with the Kart mounted on a buildable stand that can be tilted and rotated 360 degrees. This flexibility allows you to pose the Kart in various dynamic positions, from uphill climbs to banked turns. I enjoy posing Mario as if he's driving and celebrating with a "Whoo-hoo!"

LEGO's direction with Mario-themed sets has been consistently impressive. Following the success of The Mighty Bowser and The Piranha Plant, the Mario & Standard Kart maintains a high standard by balancing build quality with visual appeal. More large replicas of Mario's world are always welcome.

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