The LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart set, currently available for preorder, is a build that appeals to a wide range of LEGO enthusiasts. Casual builders will adore the vibrant primary colors and the large, easy-to-assemble pieces, making it a sure hit for all ages. Meanwhile, experienced LEGO builders will appreciate the detailed construction of the Kart and the absence of stickers; all visual elements are printed directly onto the bricks, adding to the set's premium feel.
LEGO Mario Kart – Mario & Standard Kart
Priced at $169.99 at the LEGO Store, the set's official name – LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart – suggests it's part of a larger LEGO Mario universe. This raises hopes for more expansive Kart sets in the future. While there are smaller playset-scaled Kart sets available (see at Amazon), the demand for larger sets featuring characters like Luigi in a Sports Coupe or Princess Peach on a Cat Cruiser is undeniable.
We Build LEGO Mario Kart - Mario and Standard Kart
View 135 Images
Comprising 17 bags, the Mario & Standard Kart set includes two distinct builds. The first is the Standard Kart, where you start by constructing a LEGO Technic mesh for the floorboard using pins and reinforcing bricks. The body shell components, including rockets/exhaust pipes, side panels, and the steering mechanism, attach via rods and clamps.
The steering mechanism is particularly noteworthy as it blends form with function. It attaches to the front via clamps and folds onto the hood like a storm door on a hinge. When you turn the steering wheel, the front wheels move accordingly, enhancing the interactive play experience.
The Kart's construction is more intricate than it appears, involving many small steps that culminate in a sophisticated build that belies its playful and whimsical appearance.
Following the Kart, you build Mario, following a process similar to that of 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 complex part, requiring two smaller builds to achieve its distinctive bent shape.
Building Mario allows you to appreciate finer details like 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 assembling a jigsaw puzzle of a famous painting, where you notice subtle elements that contribute to the overall image.
Unfortunately, Mario cannot be separated from the Kart; his torso anchors directly onto a gray plate attached to the Kart seat. While this may be frustrating, it's understandable given the potential demand for a standalone, fully articulable Mario figure. Creative LEGO fans might find ways to modify the set for independent display, making it a fun DIY project.
The finished set looks stunning, mounted on a buildable stand that can tilt and rotate, allowing for dynamic posing of the Kart. Whether positioned uphill, downhill, or in a banked turn, the set offers great flexibility. I like to pose Mario gripping the steering wheel with one hand and pumping the air with the other, capturing that iconic "Whoo-hoo!" moment.
If LEGO continues in this direction, I'm all for it. The Mario & Standard Kart set, like The Mighty Bowser and The Piranha Plant before it, strikes a perfect balance between build quality and visual appeal. The more large-scale replicas of Mario iconography we see, the better.
The LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, Set #72037, consists of 1972 pieces and is priced at $169.99. It will be available exclusively at the LEGO Store starting May 15. Preorder now to secure your set.
