The LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, currently available for preorder, is a set that appeals to builders of all levels. Casual enthusiasts will be drawn to its vibrant primary colors and chunky, easy-to-assemble parts, making it an instant hit. For the seasoned LEGO builders, the set offers a delightful challenge with its detailed construction and the absence of stickers; all visual elements are directly printed onto the bricks, enhancing the overall quality and aesthetic appeal.

Out May 15### LEGO Mario Kart – Mario & Standard Kart

Priced at $169.99 at the LEGO Store, the LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart signifies the beginning of a new subgenre within the broader LEGO Mario universe. This development raises hopes for more expansive Kart sets in the future. While smaller playset-scaled Kart sets are already available (see at Amazon), there's clear demand for larger models like 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, divided into 17 bags, involves two distinct builds. The first is the Standard Kart, where you start by constructing a LEGO Technic mesh as the floorboard, reinforced by bricks and held together with pins. The body shell follows, with components like rockets/exhaust pipes, side panels, and a steering mechanism attached via rods and clamps.

The steering mechanism is particularly noteworthy, seamlessly blending form and function. It's fastened to the front of the set with clamps and folds onto the hood like a hinged storm door. Turning the steering wheel directly affects the movement of the front wheels, enhancing the interactive element of the build.

Despite its seemingly simple appearance, the Kart's construction involves numerous small steps, culminating in a sophisticated final product. This complexity adds a layer of enjoyment and appreciation for the effort put into its creation, despite its playful and whimsical nature.

Following the Kart, you build Mario, whose assembly mirrors the process of The Mighty Bowser set from three years prior. You start with the torso, using ball-and-socket connections, then attach the legs, arms, and finally the head and hat. The hat is the most intricate part, requiring two smaller builds to achieve its iconic bent shape.

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, glove markings, and the rolled cuffs of his jeans. It's akin to piecing together a jigsaw puzzle of a famous painting, where you discover new colors and strokes that enhance your appreciation of the whole.

A notable downside is that Mario cannot be detached from the Kart; his torso is directly anchored to the seat. While this is frustrating for some, it's understandable as a fully articulated standalone Mario would be highly sought after, and LEGO and Nintendo are likely reserving such a model for future releases. This limitation might inspire some fans to undertake DIY modifications to create a freestanding Mario.

The final product is visually stunning. The Kart comes with a buildable stand that allows for adjustable positioning, tilting up or down and rotating 360 degrees. This flexibility lets you pose the Kart in various dynamic ways, whether climbing uphill, descending, or navigating a banked turn. Mario can be posed gripping the steering wheel and celebrating with a "Whoo-hoo!" gesture.

If LEGO continues in this direction, it's a promising sign for fans. The past three years have seen impressive Mario-themed sets like The Mighty Bowser and The Piranha Plant, and the Mario & Standard Kart upholds this standard, balancing build quality with visual appeal. More large-scale replicas of Mario's world can only be a good thing.

LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, Set #72037, is priced at $169.99 and contains 1972 pieces. It will be available exclusively at the LEGO Store starting May 15. Preorder now.