Mario Kart is the talk of the town at the moment, thanks to the latest instalment in the long-running series being a launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2. Like many of Nintendo’s titles, Mario Kart defined the ‘kart racer’ genre with the debut of the first game on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. It’s since expanded to 8 numbered sequels, a spin-off, an arcade version, and it’s even inspired a ride at Universal’s Super Mario World. Earlier this year, the LEGO® Super Mario theme introduced sets inspired by the Mario Kart series. Something which has also been used as inspiration for the latest 18+ Mario set. Following in the footsteps of the buildable NES, a ‘?’ Block, Bowser, and 2D Mario & Yoshi sets are a large-scale take on Mario and a standard kart. Here’s an early look at the upcoming set.
Product Details
Set Name: Mario Kart – Mario & Standard Kart | Set Number: 72037 | Pieces: 1792 | Theme: Nintendo
Number of Bags: Bags x 17 + loose elements | Instructions: Paper booklet + Builder App | Stickers: N/A | Characters: N/A
RRP: £149.99/169.99€/$169.99/249.99AUD/219.99CAD
Availability: LEGO Stores & LEGO Online from May 15th
The standard kart has been a part of the Mario Kart series since the Nintendo DS. Its appearance has varied, but it’s a plain vehicle design with its livery changed to match its driver. The version of the Standard Kart this set is based on is the one featured in Mario Kart 8, in particular, the one driven by Mario.
The build begins with the kart, due to its scale, it requires some interesting use of parts and build techniques. Although this is a standard kart, it’s still uniquely shaped in places. The bottom edge of the kart requires some sections to be connected by the usual methods. That’s something you’ll find throughout the build. There are places where elements are placed upside down or have been pieced together in unconventional ways. But they all help to capture the shape of the kart.
Although the set lacks any of the Action Tags and therefore cannot be used in conjunction with the interactive figures, it does have a working steering column for the front wheels. As all four of the wheels move, the kart can easily roll on a flat surface. So the set also includes a small display stand. This is built in such a way as to allow the kart to be easily rotated. Giving you a good way to show off your new build.
Now you can’t have a Mario Kart without Mario, and the plucky plumber offers another interesting build. You may have been wondering if Mario can be removed from the kart. Yes, in fact, much of him is built separately to the kart, where there is just enough room to slot him in place. However, he cannot be stood up to. He’s built in a seated position, and even if he could be stood up, the proportions of his legs conflict with the rest of his body. This doesn’t look so odd once he’s slotted into his car, but it is noticeable.
LEGO Designers pride themselves on using existing elements in unusual ways to capture particular details. But sometimes unique pieces are needed. The set features several printed elements, such as the ‘M’ on the front of the kart and Mario’s cap. The plates for his eyes and ears. There’s even a printed bow on his gloves. But to truly capture Mario’s look, a new plate element has been created for his iconic moustache, and an extremely unique piece has been created for his nose. They finish off the appearance of Mario perfectly. I’d be interested to see if the pieces appear elsewhere, especially the nose.
Mario has various points of articulation, so his head can be moved along with his arms and legs. This is enough to create a couple of the character’s signature karting moves, such as punching the air or simply being focused on the race. But I must admit it’s a shame, Mario cannot be displayed separately from the kart. Especially has he would look great next to the brick-built Bowser set.
Overall, the Mario & Standard Kart set is another fun addition to the 18+ range of Nintendo sets and one which is perfectly timed for the next Mario Kart game’s release. Thanks to the unusual build techniques dotted around the set, it makes the set an interesting model to build. It certainly would have been fun if Mario could be displayed out of his kart, and an Action Tag would have been welcomed. Regardless, it’s another fantastic display model for fans of the game. The LEGO Mario Kart – Mario & Standard Kart set races into stores on May 15th, and can be preordered now, however, I would suggest waiting for the set release before ordering.
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This set was provided to BricksFanz by the LEGO Group for review purposes. The thoughts within this review are those of BricksFanz and do not reflect those of the LEGO Group or Nintendo. Providing a set for free does not guarantee a favourable opinion of the set.
