LEGO Mario Kart: Building Mario & Standard Kart

The eagerly awaited LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart is now available for preorder, and it's poised to captivate builders of all skill levels. For those who enjoy a more relaxed building experience, the set's vibrant primary colors and robust, chunky pieces make it an instant hit. Meanwhile, seasoned LEGO enthusiasts will revel in the detailed construction of the Kart and the thoughtful design choices, such as the absence of stickers. Instead, the set features beautifully printed bricks that add a professional touch to the visual appeal.

LEGO Mario Kart – Mario & Standard Kart

Priced at $169.99, you can secure yours at the LEGO Store. The full name, LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, suggests that this is just the beginning of a new subgenre within the broader LEGO Mario universe. Could we soon see more expansive sets featuring characters like Luigi in a Sports Coupe or Princess Peach on a Cat Cruiser? Given the popularity of smaller, playset-scaled Kart sets (available at Amazon), the demand for these larger models seems undeniable.

We Build LEGO Mario Kart - Mario and Standard Kart

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The set comes divided into 17 bags, offering two distinct builds. The first is the Standard Kart, where you'll start by assembling a LEGO Technic mesh, secured with pins and reinforced with bricks, to create the Kart's floorboard. Next, you'll attach the body shell components using rods and clamps, including the rockets/exhaust pipes, side panels, and a steering mechanism that doubles as the Kart's front exterior.

The steering mechanism is particularly noteworthy for its seamless integration of form and function. It's attached to the front via clamps and folds onto the hood like a hinged storm door. When you turn the steering wheel, the front wheels respond accordingly, adding a dynamic element to the build.

Despite its seemingly simple appearance, the Kart's construction involves numerous small, intricate steps that culminate in a sophisticated final product. This juxtaposition of complexity and playful design is what makes the build so engaging.

Following the Kart, you'll construct Mario, following a similar process to that of The Mighty Bowser from three years ago. You'll start with the torso, using ball-and-socket connections, then add the legs, arms, and finally the head and hat. The hat, with its bent shape, is the most intricate part of Mario's build, requiring the attachment of two smaller builds to achieve its iconic look.

Building Mario offers a chance to appreciate the finer details that contribute to his character, such as 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 piecing together a jigsaw puzzle of a famous painting, where you notice nuances that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Unfortunately, Mario cannot be detached from the Kart; his torso is directly anchored to a gray plate that connects to the Kart's seat. While this might be frustrating for some, it's a strategic move by LEGO and Nintendo to keep the full Mario figure exclusive. However, the LEGO community is known for its creativity, and many fans will likely find ways to modify the set for a standalone Mario.

The completed set is mounted on a buildable stand that can be tilted and rotated, allowing for various dynamic poses. Whether you're simulating an uphill climb, a downhill race, or a banked turn, the flexibility is impressive. I've posed my Mario gripping the steering wheel with one hand and celebrating with the other, embodying the spirit of the game.

If this set is indicative of LEGO's future direction, fans have much to look forward to. The Mario & Standard Kart set, like The Mighty Bowser and The Piranha Plant before it, strikes a perfect balance between build quality and visual appeal. With 1972 pieces, LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart (Set #72037) is set to launch exclusively at the LEGO Store on May 15. Don't miss out—preorder now.