Unexpected Twist in Lego's Mario Kart Set Reveal: A Deviation from the Norm
Revamped Article:
Hold onto your controllers, Nintendo fans, because Lego's been playin' a heck of a game with us! Ever since they ventured into the Mario realm, they've been switching directions faster than Peach switches princess gowns. The Super Mario line sprung up with an advanced modular design series, forsaking conventional playsets, and their adult-oriented builds emphasized intricate model-making over minifigures.
You'd think they'd keep that pattern going with this year's Mario Kart sub-line, but Lego's got other plans. Instead, they've conjured up a fusion of the Super Mario modularity and traditional builds, crafting brick-built vehicles and characters. And now they're at it again, keepin' us on our toes.
To mark this year's "Mario Day" (the tenth of March, 'cause it kinda looks like 'Mario' if you squint), Lego unveiled a fresh 1,972-piece Mario Kart release modeled after their earlier collector builds. It's not your typical addition to the new sub-line, but rather, a whopping 8.5" tall brick-built replica of Mario himself, sittin' pretty in his iconic kart from the series.
Take a Look at Mario & Standard Kart at LEGO
Lego's Got the Mario Kart Groove:
In the footsteps of builds like the Lego Bowser, this kartin' kit features a bit of flexibility, allowin' you to move Mario's head and arms, and the base for the kart can be tilted to simulate drifting around a corner. No surprises here - like every Mario set before it (and unlike last year's Legend of Zelda set), it skips the minifigure scene, much to the dismay of fans. They're clamorin' for the one thing more than anything else - minifigures, but it seems Lego's got a different plan.
Ah well, there's always next "Mario Day"?
The Lego Mario Kart Mario and Standard Kart set is available for pre-order as of now, and it's set to hit the shelves on May 15, at a cool $170.
Take a Look at Mario & Standard Kart at LEGO
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- The Lego Mario Kart set, available for pre-order and hitting the shelves on May 15, is a surprising departure from traditional minifigure sets, with a brick-built Mario and drifting-simulating kart.
- Despite the lack of minifigures, the Lego Mario Kart Mario and Standard Kart set showcases technology in its flexible design, allowing for movement in Mario's head and arms and a tilting kart base.
- In the future, fans of Lego's Mario sets may see minifigures return, as the company's approach to the franchise has been unpredictable, akin to Mario's changing princess gowns.
- On io9, keep up with the latest technology-infused toys and collectibles, such as the Lego Mario Kart set, alongside news from Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, DC Universe, and Doctor Who universes.