LEGO Mario Kart: Building Mario & Standard Kart

The LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, currently available for preorder, is a build that captivates enthusiasts of all skill levels. For casual builders, the set's vibrant primary colors and large, chunky pieces make it an instant hit, ensuring a fun and engaging build experience. Experienced LEGO aficionados, on the other hand, will appreciate the intricate construction of the Kart, which features no stickers—every visual element is printed directly onto the bricks, adding to the set's high-quality feel.

LEGO Mario Kart – Mario & Standard Kart

Priced at $169.99 at the LEGO Store, the LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart set falls under the expansive LEGO Mario category. This classification suggests that we might see more large-scale Kart sets in the future. While smaller playset-scaled Kart sets are already available (see at Amazon), there's certainly a market for larger builds featuring characters like Luigi in a Sports Coupe or Princess Peach on a Cat Cruiser.

We Build LEGO Mario Kart - Mario and Standard Kart

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

The steering mechanism is particularly noteworthy for its seamless integration of form and function. It connects to the front of the set via clamps and folds onto the hood like a storm door on a hinge. Turning the steering wheel directly affects the front wheels' movement, adding a realistic touch to the build.

The construction process of the Kart might appear straightforward, but it involves many small, meticulous steps that culminate in a visually impressive result. This blend of simplicity and sophistication is what makes the build both enjoyable and rewarding.

After completing the Kart, you move on to building Mario, following a procedure similar to that of The Mighty Bowser set from three years ago. You start with the torso, adding ball-and-socket connections, then attach 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 two smaller builds to achieve its iconic look.

Building Mario allowed us to appreciate the finer details—his hair peeking out from under his hat, the markings on his gloves, and the rolled-up cuffs on his jeans. Much like piecing together a jigsaw puzzle of a famous painting, building Mario with LEGO reveals the subtle elements that contribute to the overall character, even if they're not immediately noticeable.

Unfortunately, Mario cannot be detached from the Kart; his torso is anchored directly onto a gray plate attached to the Kart seat. While this might be frustrating, it's understandable given the potential market demand for a standalone, fully articulable Mario figure. Enthusiasts might see this as a challenge for a DIY modification project.

The final product looks spectacular. The Kart sits on a buildable stand that can be tilted and rotated 360 degrees, allowing for dynamic posing—whether uphill, downhill, or in a banked turn. I've posed Mario to grip the steering wheel with one hand and pump the air with the other, capturing his iconic "Whoo-hoo!" spirit.

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 get, the better.

The LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, Set #72037, comprises 1972 pieces and is priced at $169.99. It will be available exclusively at the LEGO Store starting May 15. Preorder now.