LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart Unveiled for Preorder

The LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, now open for preorder, is a set that captivates builders of all levels. Casual fans will love its vibrant colors and chunky pieces, ensuring broad appeal. Seasoned LEGO enthusiasts will admire the detailed kart assembly and printed brick designs, eliminating the need for stickers.

LEGO Mario Kart – Mario & Standard Kart

The set, officially named LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, marks a new chapter within the LEGO Mario lineup. This suggests potential for more kart-themed sets of similar scale. Smaller playset-scale kart sets are available (see at Amazon), but there’s clear demand for 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, is attached using rods and clamps, shaping the kart’s front.

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

The kart’s construction is surprisingly intricate. Though it appears straightforward, it involves numerous small steps that create a polished, sophisticated look. This balance of whimsy and craftsmanship makes the build engaging and rewarding.

Next, Mario’s build mirrors the approach used for The Mighty Bowser three years ago. You start with the torso, using ball-and-socket joints for the limbs. Legs and arms follow, with the head and hat completing the figure. The hat, the most complex part, involves two smaller builds to achieve its iconic curved shape.

Building Mario reveals subtle details, like the hair peeking from under his hat, glove markings, and rolled-up jean cuffs. Assembling him feels like piecing together a puzzle, where small elements combine to form a familiar yet newly appreciated whole.

One drawback is that Mario cannot be detached from the kart. His torso is fixed to a gray plate anchored to the seat, a design choice that’s both practical and limiting. A standalone Mario with movable limbs would be a hit, but LEGO and Nintendo likely reserved that for future sets.

Enthusiasts will likely find ways to modify the model for a standalone Mario. For now, it could be a fun weekend project for creative builders.

The finished model is stunning. The kart sits on a posable stand, adjustable to tilt up, down, or rotate fully. This allows dynamic displays, whether racing uphill, downhill, or banking into a turn. 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 Mario-themed sets like The Mighty Bowser in 2022 and the Piranha Plant in 2023, Mario & Standard Kart matches their high standards, blending quality construction with striking visuals. More large-scale Mario builds 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.