The LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart set, now available for preorder, is a build that appeals to a wide range of LEGO enthusiasts. Casual builders will love the set's vibrant primary colors and its large, chunky pieces, making it a sure hit at any gathering. Meanwhile, experienced builders will appreciate the intricate details of the Kart's construction and the thoughtful design that eliminates the need for stickers, with all visual elements printed directly onto the bricks.
LEGO Mario Kart – Mario & Standard Kart
Priced at $169.99 at the LEGO Store, the LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart set marks a new subgenre within the broader LEGO Mario universe. This development sparks excitement about the possibility of more expansive Kart sets featuring other characters like Luigi in a Sports Coupe or Princess Peach on a Cat Cruiser.
Building the LEGO Mario Kart - Mario and Standard Kart
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The set comes in 17 bags, offering two distinct builds. First, you assemble the Standard Kart, starting with a LEGO Technic mesh as the base, reinforced with bricks. The Kart's body shell is then pieced together using rods and clamps, including rockets/exhaust pipes, side panels, and an innovative steering mechanism that also serves as the front exterior.
The steering mechanism is particularly noteworthy, blending aesthetics with functionality. It attaches to the front of the set via clamps and folds onto the hood like a storm door. When you turn the steering wheel, the front wheels respond in kind, enhancing the realism of the build.
The construction of the Kart is more intricate than it appears, requiring numerous small steps to achieve its impressive overall effect. This complexity adds a layer of sophistication to the build, despite its playful and whimsical nature.
Following the Kart, you build Mario, using a construction method similar to The Mighty Bowser set from three years ago. You start with the torso, followed by the legs, arms, and finally the head and hat. The hat's construction is particularly detailed, involving two separate builds to achieve its iconic, bent shape.
Building Mario allowed us to appreciate the finer details, such as the hair peeking out from under his hat, the markings on his gloves, and the cuffs on his jeans. Much like assembling a jigsaw puzzle of a famous painting, building Mario with LEGO highlights subtle elements that contribute to the whole.
However, Mario cannot be detached from the Kart; his torso is anchored directly to a gray plate on the Kart's seat. While this might be frustrating for some, it's understandable as a standalone, fully articulable Mario would be a highly sought-after item. LEGO enthusiasts might take this as a challenge for a DIY project on a rainy day.
The completed model looks stunning, mounted on a buildable stand that can be tilted and rotated, allowing for dynamic posing. Whether you're imagining Mario going uphill, downhill, or sliding into a turn, the possibilities are endless. I like to pose Mario with one hand on the steering wheel and the other in the air, as if he's cheering, "Whoo-hoo!"
LEGO's direction with Mario-themed sets continues to impress. Following The Mighty Bowser in 2022 and The Piranha Plant in 2003, the Mario & Standard Kart upholds the high standards of build quality and visual appeal. The more iconic Mario replicas we get, the better.
The LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, Set #72037, contains 1972 pieces and is priced at $169.99. It will be available exclusively at the LEGO Store starting May 15. Preorder now.
