The LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, now available for preorder, is a set that appeals to builders of all skill levels. Casual enthusiasts will be drawn to its vibrant primary colors and the large, easy-to-handle pieces that make it a hit with builders of any age. Meanwhile, seasoned LEGO aficionados will appreciate the detailed construction of the Kart and the high-quality finish, achieved without the use of stickers; all decorative elements are printed directly onto the bricks for a polished look.
LEGO Mario Kart – Mario & Standard Kart
Priced at $169.99 at the LEGO Store, this set falls under the LEGO Mario banner as a subgenre. The official name, LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, hints at the potential for more expansive Kart sets in the future. While smaller playset-scaled Kart sets are available (see at Amazon), fans are eager for larger models, such as a Luigi in a Sports Coupe or a 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 separate builds: the Standard Kart and Mario. The Kart's construction begins with a LEGO Technic mesh, secured by pins and reinforced with bricks, forming the floorboard. 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 seamless integration of form and function. It attaches to the front of the set with clamps and folds onto the hood like a storm door on a hinge, allowing the front wheels to turn as you manipulate the steering wheel.
Despite its seemingly simple appearance, the Kart's build process is intricate, requiring numerous small steps to achieve the overall effect. This combination of complexity and playful design results in a build that feels both sophisticated and whimsical.
Following the Kart, you construct Mario, using a method similar to that used for The Mighty Bowser from three years ago. The build starts with the torso, followed by the legs, arms, and finally the head and hat. The hat is the most intricate part, with two smaller builds attached to create its signature bent shape.
Building Mario allowed me to appreciate the finer details that contribute to his iconic look, such as the hair peeking out from under his hat, the markings on his gloves, and the rolled-up cuffs on his jeans. It's like piecing together a jigsaw puzzle of a famous painting, where you discover nuances that enhance your appreciation of the whole.
Unfortunately, Mario cannot be detached from the Kart; his torso is anchored directly to a gray plate attached to the Kart seat. While this design choice may be frustrating, it's understandable given the potential demand for a standalone, fully articulable Mario figure. DIY enthusiasts might take this as a challenge for a creative modification project.
The finished model looks stunning on its buildable stand, which can be tilted and rotated 360 degrees. This feature allows for dynamic posing, whether you're simulating an uphill climb, a downhill rush, or a banked turn. I've posed Mario gripping the steering wheel with one hand and pumping the air with the other, capturing that classic "Whoo-hoo!" moment.
If LEGO continues in this direction, it's a path I'm eager to follow. The Mario-themed sets released over the past few years, including The Mighty Bowser (2022) and The Piranha Plant (2003), have set a high bar for quality and design. The LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, Set #72037, with its 1972 pieces, meets this standard by seamlessly blending build quality with visual appeal. More large-scale replicas of Mario iconography are definitely welcome.
LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, Set #72037, retails for $169.99 and will be available exclusively at the LEGO Store starting May 15. Preorder now.
