LEGO’s latest collaboration with Nintendo has shattered size expectations and design conventions. The Mario Kart – Mario & Standard Kart set introduces a colossal 12.5-inch-long, 8.5-inch-tall brick-built Mario in his iconic kart. Released for MAR10 Day 2025, this 1,972-piece behemoth transforms the beloved video game character into a sophisticated display piece that commands attention in any space. The set represents a bold design philosophy shift for LEGO, prioritizing adult collectors while honoring the playful spirit of the Mario Kart franchise.
Designers: LEGO + Nintendo
LEGO’s latest collaboration with Nintendo has shattered size expectations and design conventions. The Mario Kart – Mario & Standard Kart set (72037) introduces a colossal 12.5-inch-long, 8.5-inch-tall, 7.5-inch-wide brick-built Mario in his iconic kart. Announced on MAR10 Day 2025 with a May 15 release date, this 1,972-piece behemoth transforms the beloved video game character into a sophisticated display piece that commands attention in any space. The set represents a bold design philosophy shift for LEGO, prioritizing adult collectors while honoring the playful spirit of the Mario Kart franchise.
Engineering a Giant: The Technical Feat Behind Super-Sized Mario
The sheer scale of this set creates immediate visual impact. Mario towers at 8.5 inches—a massive leap from the tiny electronic figure in previous sets! This dramatic size increase enabled LEGO designers to incorporate unprecedented detail throughout the build. Mario’s distinctive features are faithfully recreated in brick form, capturing the character’s iconic look.
Articulation brings this static display piece to life. Mario’s head and arms are poseable, allowing builders to create different poses. His arms move independently, creating opportunities for dynamic positioning—gripping the steering wheel or raising in victory. These movement points transform what could have been a static sculpture into an expressive character piece.
The engineering extends beyond Mario himself. The kart’s chassis maintains the smooth, curved aesthetic of the in-game vehicle while providing structural support for the model.
Display Dynamics: The Art of Presentation
The included display stand transforms this set from a static model to a dynamic display piece. The clever tilting mechanism allows you to show the kart at dynamic angles as if it is being driven at speed or drifting in a Mario Kart race. This feature gives collectors flexibility in how they showcase their builds.
The stand provides a stable platform for these dynamic display options, ensuring the model remains secure even when positioned at an angle. This thoughtful design element adds movement and energy to what would otherwise be a static display.
A Collector’s Experience
Building this set delivers a sophisticated adult LEGO experience. The construction process involves assembling Mario, the kart, and the display stand to create the complete presentation. The set includes step-by-step instructions to guide builders through the process, making it accessible even to LEGO newcomers who are Super Mario fans.
For those who prefer digital guidance, the LEGO Builder app offers intuitive building instructions with tools that let you zoom in and rotate a 3D digital image of your model as you build. The app also allows you to track your progress and save all your sets in one place.
At $169.99 in the US, £139.99 in the UK, and $249.99 in Australia, this set positions itself firmly in the premium collector market. The price reflects both the piece count (1,972 pieces) and the set’s status as a display-oriented adult collectible.
The Perfect Gift for Gaming Enthusiasts
As part of LEGO’s growing collection of sets designed specifically for adults, this Mario Kart model offers a relaxing, hands-on creative activity. It’s perfect for those looking to unwind while celebrating their love of gaming culture.
Once built, this supersized Mario and his kart will absolutely steal the spotlight wherever you place it. Imagine walking into your game room and seeing this vibrant red racer perched on your shelf, or having it greet visitors from your office desk. It’s the kind of display piece that makes people stop and say, “Whoa, that’s awesome!”
Beyond just looking cool, building this set becomes a journey in itself. There’s something deeply satisfying about clicking those final pieces into place after navigating the 1,972-piece challenge. And when friends spot it? Get ready for the inevitable “Did you build that?” conversations that let you share your Mario Kart memories and LEGO building adventures.
The post LEGO Super-Sizes the Fun: A Designer’s Look at the Mario Kart Collector’s Edition first appeared on Yanko Design.