LEGO Mario Kart Assembly: Mario & Standard Kart

The LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart is now available for preorder—and it’s a set that truly bridges the gap between casual and advanced builders. Fans of bright, playful designs will love the bold primary colors and chunky, easy-to-handle pieces that make this build instantly appealing. Meanwhile, seasoned LEGO enthusiasts will appreciate the thoughtful engineering, sticker-free design (all details are printed directly onto the bricks), and the satisfying complexity hidden within its construction.

LEGO Mario Kart – Mario & Standard Kart

Price: $169.99 at LEGO Store

This officially licensed set—titled *LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart*—marks the beginning of a new sub-theme under the broader LEGO Mario universe. Given its scale and quality, it opens the door for more large-scale builds featuring other iconic characters like Luigi in a Sports Coupe or Princess Peach on her Cat Cruiser. With playset-sized Karts already available, this version raises the bar for what fans can expect from future releases.

We Build LEGO Mario Kart – Mario and Standard Kart

View 135 detailed build images

The set is divided into 17 building bags and consists of two distinct builds: the Standard Kart and LEGO Mario himself. The Kart begins with a sturdy LEGO Technic baseplate, formed using pins and reinforced with bricks to create a stable floorboard. From there, you attach the body shell in stages—side panels, exhaust pipes (which double as rockets), and a cleverly engineered steering mechanism that also forms the front fascia.

Smart Design Meets Playability

The steering system is a standout feature—it connects via clamps to the front of the Kart and folds over the hood like a hinge. When you turn the wheel, the front wheels rotate accordingly, blending form and function seamlessly. While the overall look feels whimsical, the build process is surprisingly intricate, requiring careful attention to small steps that cumulatively result in a polished, dynamic display piece.

Building Mario – A Nostalgic, Detail-Oriented Experience

Mario’s build follows the same modular approach as previous large-scale figures like The Mighty Bowser (2022). You start with the torso, which uses ball-and-socket joints for flexibility, then add legs, arms, and finally the head and hat. The hat assembly is particularly detailed—it includes two sub-builds that give Mario his signature curved brim.

What makes building Mario special is how it reveals subtle design choices you might otherwise overlook—the strands of hair peeking from under his cap, the texture on his gloves, the rolled cuffs on his overalls. Much like assembling a jigsaw puzzle of a classic painting, constructing Mario in brick form lets you notice the small details that make up the whole.

One Limitation – But a Logical One

Currently, Mario cannot be separated from the Kart—he attaches directly to the seat via a fixed gray plate rather than having a removable lower body. While this may seem limiting, it’s a strategic decision by LEGO and Nintendo to preserve the exclusivity of a fully articulated standalone Mario figure. That said, expect creative fans to develop DIY solutions soon—this could be a fun weekend project for those looking to customize their build.

Display-Ready and Dynamic

The finished model sits on an adjustable stand that allows for 360-degree rotation and tilt—perfect for capturing Mario mid-race, whether climbing a hill, speeding downhill, or drifting through a banked turn. Pose him gripping the wheel with one hand and raising the other triumphantly—it’s impossible not to hear that classic “Whoo-hoo!”

A New Benchmark for LEGO Mario Sets

If this is where LEGO is heading with its Mario line, count us in. Following the success of The Mighty Bowser (2022) and the Piranha Plant (2023), the Mario & Standard Kart continues the trend of high-quality, visually striking sets that balance build satisfaction with collectible appeal. At 1,972 pieces and priced at $169.99, this set delivers exceptional value and craftsmanship.

LEGO Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart (Set #72037) launches exclusively at the LEGO Store on May 15. Preorder now to secure yours before it races off the shelves.