LEGO Mario Kart Unveiled: Mario & Standard Kart Set for Preorder

The LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, now open for preorder, is a vibrant build that captivates all skill levels. Casual builders will love its bold colors and chunky components, ensuring broad appeal. Seasoned LEGO enthusiasts will admire the kart’s intricate design and printed details, eliminating the need for stickers.

LEGO Mario Kart – Mario & Standard Kart

The set, officially named LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, marks a new subtheme within the LEGO Mario universe. This suggests potential for more kart sets of similar scale. While smaller playset-scale kart kits are available on Amazon, fans might crave larger builds like Luigi in a Sports Coupe or Princess Peach in a Cat Cruiser.

Building LEGO Mario Kart: Mario and Standard Kart

Spread across 17 bags, the Mario & Standard Kart set comprises two distinct builds. The kart starts with a LEGO Technic frame, secured by pins and reinforced with bricks to form the base. The body shell, including rockets, exhaust pipes, side panels, and steering system, attaches via rods and clamps, shaping the kart’s front.

The steering mechanism stands out for its clever design, blending style and functionality. It connects to the front with clamps and folds onto the hood like a hinged door. Turning the steering wheel moves the front wheels, creating a dynamic effect.

The kart’s construction is surprisingly detailed, requiring numerous small steps for a polished result. Its sophisticated appearance belies its playful charm, striking a balance between complexity and whimsy.

After completing the kart, you build Mario, following a process similar to The Mighty Bowser from 2022. Start with the torso, using ball-and-socket joints for the limbs. Attach the legs, arms, and finally the head with its iconic hat, which requires two smaller builds to achieve its distinctive curved look.

Building Mario reveals subtle details, like the hair peeking from his hat, glove markings, and rolled-up jeans cuffs. Assembling him feels like piecing together a puzzle, highlighting nuances that enhance the overall figure, much like noticing fine details in a classic painting.

However, Mario cannot stand alone, as his torso is fixed to a gray plate attached to the kart’s seat. While this design choice is practical, it limits flexibility. A standalone Mario with movable limbs would be a hit, but LEGO and Nintendo likely reserved that for future releases.

Enthusiasts will likely find ways to modify the set for a freestanding Mario. For now, it could inspire a fun weekend project.

The finished model is stunning, mounted on a posable stand that tilts and rotates 360 degrees. This allows dynamic displays, whether racing uphill, downhill, or cornering. Positioning Mario with one hand on the wheel and the other raised adds a lively touch, evoking his signature “Whoo-hoo!”

This set signals an exciting direction for LEGO. Following the success of The Mighty Bowser (2022) and Piranha Plant (2023), Mario & Standard Kart matches their quality, blending craftsmanship with striking visuals. More large-scale Mario-themed sets would be a welcome addition.

LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, Set #72037, retails for $169.99 with 1972 pieces. It launches exclusively at the LEGO Store on May 15. Preorder now.