The eagerly awaited LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, currently available for preorder, is a set that promises to captivate LEGO enthusiasts of all skill levels. Casual builders will be drawn to its vibrant primary colors and the large, user-friendly pieces, making it an instant hit. On the other hand, seasoned LEGO aficionados will revel in the detailed construction of the Kart, appreciating the absence of stickers; all visual elements are elegantly printed directly onto the bricks.
Out May 15### LEGO Mario Kart – Mario & Standard Kart
Priced at $169.99 at the LEGO Store, this set bears the official name LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, indicating its place within the broader LEGO Mario universe. This suggests exciting possibilities for future releases. While smaller playset-scaled Kart sets are available (see at Amazon), there's clearly a demand for larger models, such as a grand Luigi in a Sports Coupe or an impressive Princess Peach on a Cat Cruiser.
We Build LEGO Mario Kart - Mario and Standard Kart
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The LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart set comes in 17 bags, comprising two distinct builds. The first involves constructing the Standard Kart, starting with a LEGO Technic mesh for the floorboard, secured by pins and reinforced with bricks. The body shell is assembled using rods and clamps, incorporating elements like rockets/exhaust pipes, side panels, and a sophisticated steering mechanism that also forms the Kart's front exterior.
The steering mechanism is a highlight, seamlessly blending 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 realism of the build.
Despite its seemingly simple appearance, the Kart's construction is intricate, requiring numerous small steps to achieve its impressive final look. This combination of complexity and whimsy makes the build uniquely satisfying.
Following the Kart, you assemble Mario, using a construction process similar to The Mighty Bowser set from three years ago. You start with the torso, using ball-and-socket joints at the extremities, then add the legs, arms, and finally the head and hat. The hat, with its signature bent shape, is the most intricate part, requiring the attachment of two smaller builds to the top of Mario's head.
Building Mario allowed me to appreciate the finer details that contribute to his iconic look—the hair peeking out from under his hat, the markings on his gloves, and the rolled-up cuffs on his jeans. It's akin to piecing together a jigsaw puzzle of a famous painting, where you notice nuances that might otherwise go unnoticed. My 10-year-old son and I found this process delightful and educational.
Unfortunately, Mario cannot be detached from the Kart. His torso is directly anchored to a gray plate that connects to the Kart seat, a design choice that is both frustrating and understandable. A standalone, fully articulable Mario figure would be highly sought after, but for now, there's no official way to separate him from the Kart. Perhaps a creative DIY project for a rainy day?
The finished product is stunning. The Kart is mounted on a buildable stand that can be tilted and rotated, allowing for dynamic poses—whether ascending a hill, descending a slope, or navigating a banked turn. I've positioned Mario to grip the steering wheel with one hand while pumping the air with the other, evoking his iconic "Whoo-hoo!"
If LEGO continues in this direction, I'm all for it. Over the past three years, some of the most impressive LEGO sets have been Mario-themed, including The Mighty Bowser (2022) and The Piranha Plant (2003). The Mario & Standard Kart upholds this standard, blending high-quality construction with eye-catching visuals. More large-scale replicas of Mario iconography can only enhance the LEGO collection.
LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, Set #72037, retails for $169.99 and contains 1972 pieces. It will be available exclusively at the LEGO Store starting May 15. Preorder now.
