The LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart set, now available for preorder, is a delightful creation that appeals to builders of all skill levels. Casual enthusiasts will be drawn to its vibrant primary colors and the large, chunky pieces that make it an instant hit. Meanwhile, seasoned LEGO aficionados will appreciate the detailed construction of the Kart and the fact that all visual elements are printed directly onto the bricks, eliminating the need for stickers.

LEGO Mario Kart – Mario & Standard Kart

Priced at $169.99 and available exclusively at the LEGO Store, the LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart set is a part of the broader LEGO Mario series. This designation hints at the possibility of more expansive Kart sets in the future. While smaller, playset-scaled Kart sets are already 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 undeniable.

Building the LEGO Mario Kart - Mario and Standard Kart

The set is divided into 17 bags and comprises two main builds. The first is the Standard Kart, which involves constructing a LEGO Technic mesh using pins and reinforcing it with bricks to form the Kart's floorboard. You then attach the body shell parts, including rockets/exhaust pipes, side panels, and a steering mechanism, using rods and clamps. This steering mechanism is particularly noteworthy as it elegantly combines form and function, with the steering wheel connected to the front wheels via a hinged, storm door-like assembly.

Despite its seemingly simple appearance, the Kart's construction process involves numerous small steps that contribute to a sophisticated final look, blending childlike whimsy with detailed craftsmanship.

Following the Kart, you build Mario himself, following a construction pattern similar to The Mighty Bowser set from three years ago. You start with the torso, then add the legs, arms, and finally the head and hat. The hat is the most intricate part, requiring two separate builds to achieve its iconic bent shape.

Building Mario allowed me to appreciate the finer details, like the hair peeking out from under his hat, the markings on his gloves, and the rolled-up cuffs of his jeans. It's akin to assembling a jigsaw puzzle of a famous painting, where you discover nuances that might otherwise go unnoticed. This experience is shared with my 10-year-old son, who loves piecing together these intricate details with me.

Unfortunately, Mario is not detachable from the Kart; his torso is directly mounted onto a gray plate connected to the Kart's seat. While this design choice is understandable from a marketing perspective, it's frustrating for fans who might want a standalone Mario figure. However, this could be an exciting DIY project for enthusiasts to tackle.

The finished model is stunning, mounted on a buildable stand that can be tilted and rotated 360 degrees. This feature allows for dynamic posing, whether Mario is navigating uphill, downhill, or around a banked turn. I enjoy positioning Mario to grip the steering wheel with one hand while triumphantly pumping the air with the other, almost hearing his signature "Whoo-hoo!"

If this is the direction LEGO is heading, it's a promising one. The LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, alongside other recent Mario-themed sets like The Mighty Bowser (2022) and The Piranha Plant (2003), showcases LEGO's commitment to high-quality builds with striking 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 is priced at $169.99. It will be available exclusively at the LEGO Store starting May 15. Preorder now.