LEGO Mario Kart: Mario and Standard Kart Built

The LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, now available for preorder, is a set designed to capture the hearts of LEGO enthusiasts of all skill levels. Casual builders will delight in its vibrant primary colors and the large, easy-to-handle pieces, making it a perfect addition to any collection. For those with more experience, the set offers a rewarding challenge with its intricate construction details and the unique absence of stickers; all visual elements are printed directly onto the bricks, enhancing the model's overall appeal.

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 (#72037) marks a significant entry under the LEGO Mario banner. This new addition suggests 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 models 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

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The set is divided into 17 bags, offering two distinct building experiences. The first build focuses on the Standard Kart, starting with a LEGO Technic mesh that forms the Kart's floorboard, secured by pins and reinforced with bricks. You then attach the body shell components, including rockets/exhaust pipes, side panels, and a steering mechanism that doubles as the Kart's front exterior.

The steering mechanism is particularly noteworthy for seamlessly blending form and function. It attaches to the front via clamps and folds onto the hood like a storm door on a hinge. Turning the steering wheel activates the front wheels, adding an interactive element to the build.

Despite its seemingly simple appearance, constructing the Kart involves numerous detailed steps, resulting in a sophisticated yet whimsical final product. It's a testament to the set's design that it can look both playful and meticulously crafted.

Following the Kart, you build Mario, using a construction technique similar to that of The Mighty Bowser set from three years ago. The process involves assembling the torso with ball-and-socket joints, followed by legs, arms, and finally, the head and hat. The hat's construction is especially intricate, involving two smaller builds to achieve its characteristic bent shape.

Building Mario allows for a deeper appreciation of his smaller details, such as the hair peeking out from under his hat, the markings on his gloves, and the rolled-up cuffs on his jeans. This experience is akin to piecing together a jigsaw puzzle of a famous painting, where you notice nuances you might otherwise overlook.

Unfortunately, Mario cannot be detached from the Kart. His torso is anchored directly onto a gray plate attached to the Kart seat. While this design choice is understandable, it does limit the versatility of the set. LEGO enthusiasts may find ways to modify the model for independent display, offering a potential DIY project for the future.

The final result is visually stunning. The Kart is mounted on a buildable stand that can be tilted and rotated, allowing for dynamic poses such as uphill, downhill, or navigating a banked turn. My favorite pose has Mario gripping the steering wheel with one hand and pumping the air with the other, as if you can hear his iconic "Whoo-hoo!"

If this is the future direction for LEGO, it's incredibly promising. The LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart joins the ranks of impressive Mario-themed sets like The Mighty Bowser (2022) and The Piranha Plant (2003), excelling in both build quality and visual appeal. As more large-scale replicas of Mario iconography are released, the better it will be for fans and collectors alike.

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