LEGO Mario Kart: Building Mario & Standard Kart

The LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart set, now available for preorder, is a delightful build that appeals to a wide audience. Casual builders will enjoy the set's vibrant primary colors and its large, easy-to-handle pieces, making it a surefire hit for all ages. On the other hand, seasoned LEGO enthusiasts will appreciate the intricate details of the Kart's construction and the absence of stickers, with all visual elements printed directly onto the bricks.

Out May 15### LEGO Mario Kart – Mario & Standard Kart

8$169.99 at LEGO StoreThe set, officially named LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, falls under the broader LEGO Mario category. This opens up exciting possibilities for future releases. While smaller playset-scaled Kart sets are available (see at Amazon), there's a clear demand for larger models, such as a Luigi in a Sports Coupe or Princess Peach on a Cat Cruiser.

We Build LEGO Mario Kart - Mario and Standard Kart

View 135 ImagesThis set comprises two separate builds divided across 17 bags. The first is the Standard Kart, which starts with a LEGO Technic mesh held together by pins and reinforced with bricks to form the floorboard. The body shell is then assembled using rods and clamps, including rockets/exhaust pipes, side panels, and a steering mechanism that also forms the Kart's front exterior.

Special attention is given to the steering mechanism, which elegantly blends form and function. It attaches to the front via clamps and folds onto the hood like a storm door on a hinge, allowing the front wheels to turn with the steering wheel.

Despite its seemingly simple appearance, the Kart's construction is intricate and requires many small, detailed steps. This complexity adds a sophisticated touch to what is otherwise a playful and whimsical build.

Following the Kart, you build Mario, whose assembly mirrors that of The Mighty Bowser from three years ago. You start with the torso, followed by legs, arms, and finally the head and hat. The hat is particularly intricate, with two smaller builds attached to achieve its signature bent shape.

Building Mario allows you to appreciate his finer details, such as the hair peeking out from under his hat, the markings on his gloves, and the cuffs of his jeans. It's akin to piecing together a jigsaw puzzle of a famous painting, where you discover nuances you might otherwise overlook.

Unfortunately, Mario is not detachable from the Kart; his torso is anchored directly onto a gray plate that connects to the Kart seat. While this design choice is understandable from a commercial standpoint, it might leave some fans wanting a standalone Mario figure. This could be an exciting DIY project for enthusiasts.

Once completed, the Kart sits on a buildable stand that can be tilted and rotated 360 degrees, allowing for dynamic posing, whether going uphill, downhill, or into a turn. I've posed my Mario gripping the steering wheel with one hand and celebrating with the other, almost hearing his iconic "Whoo-hoo!"

If this is the direction LEGO is heading with the Mario series, it's incredibly promising. The Mighty Bowser and Piranha Plant sets have set high standards, and the Mario & Standard Kart set upholds that quality while beautifully balancing build complexity and visual appeal. The more iconic Mario replicas we get, the better.

LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, Set #72037, retails for $169.99 and consists of 1972 pieces. It will be available exclusively at the LEGO Store starting May 15. Preorder now.