LEGO Mario Kart: Building Mario & Standard Kart

The LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, now available for preorder, is a build that appeals to a wide range of LEGO enthusiasts. Casual builders will be drawn to its vibrant primary colors and large, easy-to-handle pieces, making it a delightful project for all ages. Meanwhile, experienced LEGO builders will appreciate the intricate construction of the Kart and the thoughtful design choice to use printed pieces instead of stickers, ensuring a high-quality finish with every detail meticulously crafted 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, officially named LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, signifies a new subgenre within the larger LEGO Mario universe. This exciting development paves the way for potential future releases, such as a large Luigi in a Sports Coupe or Princess Peach on a Cat Cruiser, catering to fans eager for more expansive Kart sets.

We Build LEGO Mario Kart - Mario and Standard Kart

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The set comes divided into 17 bags, comprising two separate builds. The first is the Standard Kart, where you start by constructing a LEGO Technic mesh, secured with pins and reinforced by bricks to form the Kart's floorboard. The body shell follows, with its rockets/exhaust pipes, side panels, and steering mechanism, all connected via rods and clamps.

The steering mechanism is particularly noteworthy, seamlessly blending form and function. It attaches to the front of the set via clamps and folds onto the hood like a hinged storm door. When you turn the steering wheel, the front wheels pivot accordingly, adding a realistic touch to the build.

Despite its seemingly simple appearance, the Kart's construction involves numerous meticulous steps, resulting in a sophisticated yet playful final product. It's a fascinating juxtaposition of complexity and whimsy that appeals to builders of all levels.

After completing the Kart, you move on to building Mario, following a similar approach to The Mighty Bowser set from three years ago. You begin with the torso, using ball-and-socket connections at the extremities, followed by the legs, arms, and finally, the head and hat. The hat, in particular, is a complex component, featuring two smaller builds attached to Mario's head to achieve its iconic, bent shape.

Building Mario allows you to appreciate his finer details, from the hair peeking out from under his hat to the markings on his gloves and the rolled-up cuffs of his jeans. This process is akin to assembling a jigsaw puzzle of a famous painting, where you discover nuances that enhance your appreciation of the whole.

Unfortunately, Mario cannot be detached from the Kart; his torso directly anchors onto a gray plate attached to the Kart's seat. While this might be frustrating for some, it's a design choice that makes sense, as a standalone, fully articulable Mario would be highly sought after, and LEGO and Nintendo are likely to keep such a model exclusive.

Despite this, the LEGO community is known for its creativity, and many fans will likely find ways to modify the model for independent display. This could make for an engaging DIY project on a rainy weekend.

The completed set is visually stunning, mounted on a buildable stand that can be tilted and rotated 360 degrees. This feature allows you to pose the Kart in various dynamic positions, whether climbing uphill, speeding downhill, or navigating a banked turn. I've posed my Mario with his left hand on the steering wheel and his right hand in the air, capturing the essence of his iconic "Whoo-hoo!"

If this is the direction LEGO is heading with their Mario-themed sets, I'm all in. Over the past three years, two of the most impressive LEGO sets have been Mario-related: The Mighty Bowser in 2022 and The Piranha Plant in 2003. The LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart continues this trend, striking an excellent 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, comprises 1972 pieces and retails for $169.99. It will launch exclusively at the LEGO Store on May 15. Preorder now to secure your set.