We Build LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart

The LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, now available for preorder, is a set that appeals to builders of all skill levels. Casual fans will adore its vibrant primary colors and the large, chunky pieces that make it an instant hit. For seasoned LEGO enthusiasts, the intricate construction of the Kart and the absence of stickers are major draws. Every visual detail is meticulously printed onto the bricks, enhancing the build's overall quality and appeal.

Out May 15### 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 series. This raises the exciting possibility of more expansive Kart sets featuring other characters like Luigi in a Sports Coupe or Princess Peach on a Cat Cruiser. Smaller playset-scaled Kart options are already available (see at Amazon), but the demand for larger, detailed sets like this one is undeniable.

We Build LEGO Mario Kart - Mario and Standard Kart

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Divided into 17 bags, the set involves constructing two separate builds: the Standard Kart and Mario himself. The Kart build begins with a LEGO Technic mesh for the floorboard, secured by pins and reinforced by bricks. You then attach the body shell components, including rockets/exhaust pipes, side panels, and the steering mechanism, which doubles as the Kart's front exterior.

The steering mechanism is particularly noteworthy for its blend of form and function. It attaches to the front via clamps and folds onto the hood like a hinged storm door. When you turn the steering wheel, the front wheels move accordingly, adding a dynamic element to the set.

Despite its seemingly simple appearance, the Kart's construction is detailed and intricate, involving many small steps that culminate in a visually sophisticated model. This juxtaposition of complexity with a playful design makes the build process both challenging and enjoyable.

After completing the Kart, you move on to building Mario, using a construction method similar to The Mighty Bowser set from three years ago. You start with the torso, adding ball-and-socket connections at the extremities, followed by the legs, arms, and finally the head and hat. The hat, with its bent appearance, is the most complex part of Mario's build, requiring the attachment of smaller components to achieve its iconic look.

Building Mario offers a chance to appreciate subtle details like the hair peeking 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 you might otherwise overlook. My 10-year-old son and I find this process both educational and fun.

Unfortunately, Mario cannot be detached from the Kart; his torso anchors directly onto a gray plate attached to the Kart's seat. While this is frustrating, it's understandable as a standalone, fully articulable Mario would be a highly sought-after product. Creative LEGO fans might find ways to modify the model for independence, offering a potential DIY project for a rainy day.

The final model is impressive, with the Kart mounted on a buildable stand that can be tilted and rotated 360 degrees. This feature allows for various poses, from uphill climbs to downhill slides or banked turns. I enjoy posing Mario with one hand on the steering wheel and the other pumping the air, capturing his iconic "Whoo-hoo!"

If this is the future direction for LEGO, it's a promising one. Over the past three years, two of the most impressive LEGO sets have been Mario-themed, including The Mighty Bowser in 2022 and The Piranha Plant in 2003. The Mario & Standard Kart upholds this high standard by balancing build quality with visual appeal. More large-scale replicas of Mario iconography are eagerly anticipated.

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.