The LEGO and Nintendo partnership has yielded a range of successful building sets based on popular franchises like Super Mario, Animal Crossing, Donkey Kong, and The Legend of Zelda. Starting in 2020 with a customizable Super Mario board game, the collaboration expanded to include characters like Luigi and Princess Peach, and diverse gameplay elements.

Last year saw the launch of six Mario Kart LEGO sets featuring characters, vehicles, and power-ups.  Now, a fresh rumor hints at a potentially larger and more expensive LEGO Mario Kart set hitting shelves later this year.

According to Instagram user lego_minecraft_goat, via Brick Fanatics, this year’s LEGO Icons set could be centered around Mario Kart.  While most LEGO Icons sets replicate real-world vehicles, this rumored set, potentially numbered 72037,  is suggested to retail for $169.99 in July.  This price point positions it significantly higher than previous LEGO Mario Kart sets, aligning with the LEGO Icons line's focus on adult collectors.

While this information remains unconfirmed, the timing aligns well with Nintendo’s plans. The anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 console is expected later this year, with a new Mario Kart title among the initial games showcased.  Details about this new Mario Kart are scarce, but early footage suggests potential for large-scale 24-player races.

A new, premium LEGO Mario Kart set could serve as a strategic promotional tool for both the game and the Nintendo Switch 2. This synergy would be beneficial, especially given the anticipated higher price point of the rumored set compared to previous LEGO and Nintendo collaborations.

Both companies have a busy year ahead. In addition to the rumored Mario Kart set and the Switch 2 launch, a LEGO set based on the classic Game Boy handheld is confirmed for release in October.