The LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart set, currently available for preorder, is a delightful build that appeals to a broad audience. Casual builders will love its vibrant primary colors and the chunky, easy-to-assemble pieces, making it an instant hit. Experienced LEGO enthusiasts will appreciate the intricate design of the Kart's construction and the absence of stickers; all visual details are elegantly printed directly onto the bricks, adding to the set's appeal.
LEGO Mario Kart – Mario & Standard Kart
$169.99 at LEGO Store
The set's full name, LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, suggests it as part of the broader LEGO Mario universe. This opens the door for potential future releases, such as a large Luigi in a Sports Coupe or Princess Peach on a Cat Cruiser. While smaller Kart playsets exist (see at Amazon), there's clear demand for more expansive sets like this one.
We Build LEGO Mario Kart - Mario and Standard Kart
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Divided into 17 bags, the set consists of two distinct builds: the Standard Kart and Mario himself. The Kart's construction begins with a LEGO Technic mesh, secured with pins and reinforced with bricks to create the floorboard. The body shell is assembled using rods and clamps, incorporating rockets/exhaust pipes, side panels, and a steering mechanism that also forms the front exterior.
The steering mechanism is a standout feature, elegantly merging form and function. It attaches to the front of the set via clamps and folds onto the hood like a hinged storm door. When the steering wheel is turned, the front wheels follow suit, adding a realistic touch to the build.
Despite its seemingly simple appearance, the Kart's construction involves many detailed steps, resulting in a sophisticated build that belies its playful nature. It's a testament to the craftsmanship that goes into LEGO sets, even those with a whimsical flair.
Building Mario follows a similar procedure to The Mighty Bowser from three years ago. Starting with the torso, which uses ball-and-socket connections at the extremities, you then attach the legs, arms, and finally the head and hat. The hat, in particular, is a complex element, requiring two smaller builds to achieve its signature bent shape.
Constructing Mario allowed us to appreciate his lesser-known details, such as the hair peeking out from under his hat, the markings on his gloves, and the rolled-up cuffs on his jeans. Much like piecing together a jigsaw puzzle of a famous painting, building Mario with LEGO reveals the finer details that contribute to the overall character.
A notable drawback is that Mario cannot be separated from the Kart. His torso anchors directly onto a gray plate attached to the Kart's seat, which is both frustrating and understandable. While a fully articulable Mario would be a hot seller, LEGO and Nintendo have chosen to keep him attached to the Kart. However, the LEGO community might find creative ways to modify this for a standalone Mario figure, perhaps as a fun DIY project for a rainy weekend.
The final product is visually stunning. The Kart mounts on a buildable stand that can tilt and rotate 360 degrees, allowing for dynamic posing, whether uphill, downhill, or in a banked turn. My Mario grips the steering wheel with one hand and pumps the air with the other, embodying the spirit of the game with a lively "Whoo-hoo!"
If this set is indicative of LEGO's future direction, it's a promising sign. The past three years have seen remarkable Mario-themed sets, including The Mighty Bowser and The Piranha Plant. The Mario & Standard Kart set upholds this standard, balancing build quality with visual appeal. The more large-scale Mario iconography we get, the better.
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.
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