LEGO Mario Kart: Building Mario's Standard Kart

The LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, now available for preorder, is a set designed to captivate builders of all levels. Casual fans will be drawn to its vibrant primary colors and the chunky, easy-to-handle pieces, making it a sure hit at any gathering. Meanwhile, seasoned LEGO enthusiasts will appreciate the detailed construction of the Kart and the thoughtful design choice to print visual details directly onto the bricks, eliminating the need for stickers.

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

Priced at $169.99 at the LEGO Store, the LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart is part of the broader LEGO Mario universe, hinting at the possibility of future expansive Kart sets. While smaller Kart playsets are 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 evident.

We Build LEGO Mario Kart - Mario and Standard Kart

View 135 Images

The set comes divided across 17 bags, offering two separate builds. The Standard Kart is assembled first, starting with a LEGO Technic mesh for the floorboard, reinforced with pins and bricks. The body shell components, including rockets/exhaust pipes, side panels, and the steering mechanism, are then attached using rods and clamps. The steering mechanism is particularly noteworthy for its blend of form and function, designed to mimic a storm door hinge, allowing the front wheels to turn with the steering wheel.

Despite its seemingly simple appearance, the Kart's construction is intricate, requiring meticulous steps to achieve the final, impressive effect. It's a charming paradox that the build manages to look sophisticated yet retains a playful charm.

Following the Kart, the Mario figure is built using a similar technique to The Mighty Bowser set from three years ago. The process involves constructing the torso, legs, arms, and finally, the head and hat. The hat, with its bent appearance, is the most complex part of Mario's build, composed of smaller, separate pieces.

Building Mario allowed for an appreciation of finer details, such as the hair peeking from under his hat, glove markings, and the rolled-up cuffs of his jeans. This experience is akin to piecing together a jigsaw puzzle of a famous painting, revealing nuances not typically noticed.

A notable drawback is that Mario cannot be separated from the Kart; his torso is anchored directly to the seat, preventing independent display. While this may disappoint some, it's a strategic move by LEGO and Nintendo to preserve the set's exclusivity. Enthusiasts might find this a challenging DIY project to tackle on a rainy day.

The completed set is mounted on a buildable stand, adjustable in tilt and rotation, allowing for dynamic posing of the Kart. Whether simulating uphill climbs, downhill races, or banked turns, the flexibility is impressive. Posing Mario gripping the steering wheel and celebrating adds a playful touch to the display.

LEGO's direction towards more Mario-themed sets is promising, especially following the success of The Mighty Bowser and The Piranha Plant. The Mario & Standard Kart set continues this trend, balancing build quality with visual appeal.

The LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, Set #72037, comprises 1972 pieces and retails for $169.99. It will be available exclusively at the LEGO Store starting May 15. Preorder now to secure your set.