LEGO Mario Kart: Mario and Standard Kart Unveiled

The LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, now available for preorder, is a standout set that bridges the gap between playful charm and advanced building design. Perfect for casual fans and seasoned builders alike, this set captures the spirit of *Mario Kart* with vibrant primary colors and oversized, intuitive pieces that make assembly enjoyable for all ages. Meanwhile, experienced LEGO enthusiasts will appreciate the set’s sophisticated construction techniques and the fact that all visual elements are printed directly onto the bricks—no stickers in sight. It’s a polished, premium experience from start to finish.

LEGO Mario Kart – Mario & Standard Kart

Price: $169.99 at LEGO Store

Officially titled LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, this set marks the debut of a new sub-line within the broader LEGO Mario universe. Its release opens the door for future large-scale kart builds, sparking excitement for potential additions like Luigi in a Sports Coupe or Princess Peach on a Cat Cruiser. While smaller kart playsets exist, this 1:1 scale model brings a fresh level of detail and display appeal that could define a new category of collectible LEGO builds.

Building the LEGO Mario Kart – Mario & Standard Kart

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Divided into 17 numbered building bags, the set comprises two main builds: the Standard Kart and a large-scale LEGO Mario figure. The kart begins with a sturdy LEGO Technic baseplate, reinforced with pins and structural bricks to form a solid foundation. From there, the body panels are attached using rods and clamps, including the rear exhaust rockets, side panels, and a fully functional steering mechanism that doubles as the front fascia.

The steering system is a highlight of the build, elegantly combining form and function. One end connects to the front of the kart with clamps, while the other folds over the hood like a hinge. When you turn the large steering wheel, the front wheels respond in real time—offering an interactive touch that enhances both play and display value.

Despite its playful appearance, the construction process is surprisingly intricate. What looks like a simple, whimsical model is actually the result of hundreds of small, deliberate steps. This careful layering of detail gives the finished build a sense of craftsmanship, making it feel both impressive and authentic—even as it celebrates the fun, cartoonish roots of the Mario franchise.

After completing the kart, you move on to building the LEGO Mario figure—a design inspired by the 2022 Mighty Bowser set. The process starts with the torso, built with ball-and-socket joints for stability. Next, you attach the legs, arms, and finally the head and hat. The hat itself is the most complex part, requiring two smaller sub-assemblies to achieve Mario’s signature curved brim.

Building Mario offers a unique appreciation for his iconic design. As you assemble the tiny details—the hair peeking out from under the hat, the white gloves with printed markings, the rolled cuffs on his overalls—you gain a deeper understanding of the character’s visual language. It’s much like piecing together a detailed jigsaw puzzle of a classic painting; the small elements may not stand out individually, but they’re essential to the overall masterpiece.

One notable limitation: Mario cannot be separated from the kart. His torso is fixed directly to a gray mounting plate that attaches to the kart’s seat. While this restricts poseability, it ensures stability and structural integrity. It’s also a strategic decision—after all, a standalone, fully articulated large Mario figure would be a massive hit, and LEGO and Nintendo are likely saving that for a future release.

That said, the LEGO community is resourceful. Expect countless fan-made modifications to emerge, enabling Mario to stand independently. For now, though, this setup remains a display-focused build—perfect for collectors and fans who want an authentic *Mario Kart* centerpiece.

The completed model sits on a robust, buildable display stand that allows for 360-degree rotation and adjustable tilt. Whether you want to showcase the kart mid-drift, climbing a hill, or speeding downhill, the stand offers full posing flexibility. A favorite pose? Mario gripping the wheel with one hand and throwing his other hand in the air with a triumphant "Whoo-hoo!"—a perfect capture of the series’ joyful energy.

If this set is any indication of LEGO’s future direction, fans have a lot to look forward to. The past few years have already seen standout Mario-themed sets like The Mighty Bowser (2022) and the Piranha Plant (2023). With the LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart, LEGO continues this trend by delivering a model that excels in both build experience and visual impact. The more iconic Mario moments LEGO brings to life in this format, the better.

Set Number: [ttpp]72037
Pieces: 1,972
Price: $169.99
Release Date: May 15
Availability: Exclusively at the LEGO Store
Status: Preorder now