GamesRadar+ Verdict
The Lego Luigi & Mach 8 set may seem simple, and it'd be easy to gloss over how well made it is as a result. But make no mistake, this is one of the toy-maker's best large-scale figures to date. For one thing, it deftly sidesteps the uncanny valley so many other characters hit. Second, it really captures the look and vibe of Mario's brother; there's an endearing, no-thoughts-behind-these eyes bumbling aesthetic to the set, which is so Luigi. The fact the steering wheel turns the tyres is a bonus, as is the way you can roll it along in a race with your other sets… though you wouldn't want to 'play' with it in a classic sense. This is most definitely a display piece rather than a toy, so younger builds may want to look elsewhere.
Reasons to buy
- +
Really captures the look and vibe of Luigi
- +
A chilled-out, easy-going build experience
- +
Doesn't take too long to put together, nor is it complicated
- +
Comes with a stand for easy display
- +
Neat interactive elements
Reasons to avoid
- -
The Mario equivalent is more iconic
- -
It rolls around, but is too fragile to be a toy
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Mario's younger brother is often stuck in second place compared to his more popular sibling, but not with the Lego Luigi & Mach 8 set. This model gives him the spotlight he deserves.
Honestly, this is a great model. Is it going to top a list of the best Lego sets any time soon? No, because I think the Mario equivalent looks just that little bit better. It's also more iconic. But considering how excellent Lego Luigi & Mach 8 is, that says a lot about the quality of the company's recent Mario kits. This is a fantastic design.
Lego Luigi & Mach 8 features
Price |
$179.99/£159.99 |
Ages |
18+ |
Pieces |
2,234 |
Minifigures |
0 |
Complexity |
Low to moderate |
Build time |
App. 6hrs |
Dimensions |
H: 10in (25cm) | L: 16in (41cm) | W: 9in (23cm) |
Item Number |
72050 |
This is the second of Lego's 18+ Mario Kart display models; it follows hot on the heels of the Lego Mario & Standard Kart design from 2025. Rather than putting Luigi in another bog-standard vehicle, though, it gives him the kart he was closely associated with in Mario Kart 8 marketing – the Mach 8. This was introduced in the aforementioned game and feels like a jet turbine with wheels (it's got excellent speed but poor handling). This model nods to that idea with 'flames' pouring from the back.
Actually, it has a need for speed in general. The wheels move so it's able to 'drive' along, and they can actually be turned using the steering wheel itself.
As for Luigi, he's made to scale with the previous Mario set and seems roughly in line with Lego The Mighty Bowser. Don't expect him to stand alongside his brother and greatest foe, however. Luigi's legs are locked into a sitting position.
Build
Putting this model together was a more sedate experience than I'd expected. Despite the size, it doesn't bog you down with too many small pieces; you should be able to rattle through it quickly. It took me between five and six hours to finish.
OK, there are a couple of tricky bits around the head and face that require patience. But otherwise, it's a very straightforward build. Even if you're new to Lego or haven't made sets in years, you won't struggle with this one.
Design
It turns out that Lego's excellent Mario & Standard Kart set wasn't a fluke, because this one is equally great. So many large-scale Lego figures squat in the uncanny valley (remember the "I've seen things" Chewbacca, or even Lego Pikachu and Poke Ball?), but not Luigi. It's a dead ringer for the character despite being made of blocks and bricks.
Frankly, this is Lego showing off. The only thing that'd make it better is the option to straighten his legs so you can have a Luigi figure standing beside his brother and Bowser.
Actually, that's a lie; the only other thing it needs is the option to swap out his eyes to create the Death Stare Luigi meme. I mean, c'mon. It's low-hanging fruit, and would be the cherry atop the cake.
Should you buy Lego Luigi & Mach 8?
If you're building a collection of Lego Mario kits, have the Mario & Standard Kart already, or adore Luigi, this model is a no-brainer. If you're trying to find a great display piece, it's also a winner; it's characterful and looks fantastic on a shelf, whether on its display stand or just stood on the wheels.
If you just want one Mario Kart (or Super Mario-themed) set and don't adore Luigi, though, I'd suggest Mario instead. It's very similar and manages all the same tricks, but is more iconic.
Buy it if...
Don't buy it if...
How we tested Lego Luigi & Mach 8
This review was made using a kit supplied by the manufacturer.
I spent roughly a week on and off making Lego Luigi & Mach 8, mostly at the kitchen table or on the sofa while watching TV. I made sure to take note of any highlights or problem areas during the build so I could better make a verdict. If you want a more exact idea of how our testing process works, check out the full GamesRadar+ review policy.
As for myself, I've been building Lego since I was a child in the '90s (one of the first models I remember making was the Arwing from the Star Fox SNES game). Professionally speaking, I've written news, features, and reviews about Lego for over seven years.
This isn't the only great model based on a beloved Nintendo icon; Lego Eevee is hands down one of our favorite Pokemon sets.
