The LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart set, currently available for preorder, is a delightful addition to any LEGO collection. Casual builders will find joy in its vibrant primary colors and large, chunky pieces, making it a surefire crowd-pleaser. Meanwhile, experienced LEGO enthusiasts will appreciate the intricate construction of the Kart and the absence of stickers, with all visual details printed directly onto the bricks.

LEGO Mario Kart – Mario & Standard Kart

Priced at $169.99 at the LEGO Store, the set's official name – LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart – indicates it as part of the LEGO Mario subgenre. This opens up possibilities for more sets featuring other characters like Luigi in a Sports Coupe or Princess Peach on a Cat Cruiser, catering to fans looking for larger, more detailed builds.

We Build LEGO Mario Kart - Mario and Standard Kart

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The set is divided into 17 bags, containing two separate builds: the Standard Kart and Mario himself. The Kart's construction begins with a LEGO Technic mesh, reinforced with bricks and held together by pins, forming the floorboard. The body shell is then assembled using rods and clamps, including the rockets/exhaust pipes, side panels, and a steering mechanism that also shapes the Kart's front exterior.

The steering mechanism is particularly noteworthy for how it seamlessly integrates form and function. It fastens to the front of the set via clamps and folds onto the hood like a hinged storm door. When you turn the steering wheel, the front wheels respond accordingly, adding an interactive element to the build.

Despite its seemingly simple appearance, the Kart's construction involves numerous small, precise steps that create a sophisticated final product. It's a charming blend of complexity and whimsy, appealing to builders of all skill levels.

After completing the Kart, the focus shifts to building Mario, which follows a similar procedure to The Mighty Bowser set from three years ago. Starting with the torso, you attach ball-and-socket connections at the extremities, followed by the legs, arms, and finally, the head and hat. The hat is the most complex part, featuring two smaller builds that give it its signature bent shape.

Building Mario allows for a detailed appreciation of his less iconic features, such as the hair under his hat, glove markings, and rolled-up jean cuffs. This process is akin to piecing together a jigsaw puzzle of a famous painting, where you notice subtle details that contribute to the overall effect.

Unfortunately, Mario cannot be detached from the Kart as his torso anchors directly onto a gray plate attached to the Kart's seat. While this limitation may be frustrating, it's understandable given LEGO and Nintendo's strategy to keep a solo, fully articulable Mario as a separate, potentially more expensive product. However, this might inspire LEGO fans to explore DIY modifications to make Mario stand independently.

The final product is visually stunning. The Kart mounts on a buildable stand that can be tilted and rotated 360 degrees, allowing for various poses such as going uphill, downhill, or sliding into a turn. My Mario grips the steering wheel with his left hand and pumps the air with his right, embodying the spirit of the game with a playful "Whoo-hoo!"

If this set represents the future direction of LEGO, I'm all in. Over the past three years, two of the most impressive LEGO sets have been Mario-themed, including The Mighty Bowser in 2022 and The Piranha Plant in 2003. The LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, set #72037, continues this trend with its high-quality build and striking visual presentation. Comprising 1972 pieces, it will launch exclusively at the LEGO Store on May 15. Preorder now to secure your set.