Nintendo and LEGO Unveil Real-Life Mario Kart Track and Upcoming 18+ Set Release Date

The enduring popularity of the Mario Kart franchise can be largely attributed to its imaginative and dynamic track designs, which consistently captivate players across generations of Nintendo hardware.

While features like dual riders, anti-gravity mechanics, and gliders provide exciting twists, the heart of the experience remains the playful chaos found in each course.

Nintendo’s expertise in creating engaging tracks has set a high standard not just in gaming, but now, as recent developments show, in creative fandoms as well. A remarkable example of this crossover ingenuity is seen in the work of Joseph Herscher, widely recognized for his inventive YouTube channel, Joseph's Machines.

Known for engineering intricate automated devices, Herscher recently brought Mario Kart to life in an entirely new way.

Utilizing a combination of LEGO sets and his signature mechanical prowess, he has constructed a fully automated real-life Mario Kart track.

Herscher’s creation moves various LEGO vehicles through a series of lively stunts and obstacles, echoing the fun and mayhem of Nintendo’s iconic racer. In a statement through his channel, Herscher shared that the project was driven by a passion for both mechanical challenges and the joy of Nintendo’s design philosophy.

Highlights of the track include unexpected events such as a LEGO Yoshi character being comically flattened by a mechanical box—demonstrating the same slapstick spirit that Mario Kart fans have always loved.

Herscher’s video quickly gained traction within the gaming and LEGO communities, earning praise for its innovation and attention to detail. This impressive fan tribute arrives as official news from both Nintendo and LEGO spotlights a new chapter for Mario Kart enthusiasts and collectors.

Announced earlier this year, the LEGO Group and Nintendo have collaborated to launch a LEGO Mario Kart set aimed at adults.

The 18+ Mario Kart set is set to debut on May 15, 2025, with a retail price of £149.99.

The set features detailed builds inspired by in-game vehicles and track elements, intended as both a challenging construction project and a display-worthy centerpiece for fans.

Pre-orders and more information will be available through the LEGO eShop and select retailers. Nintendo’s continued partnership with LEGO underscores the company’s broader commitment to celebrating its gaming heritage through creative, hands-on experiences.

For devoted Mario Kart players, the prospect of reimagining favorite tracks with LEGO bricks—either through personal builds or official sets—blends nostalgia with new possibilities for creative expression. Joseph Herscher’s automated LEGO Mario Kart track serves not only as a testament to fan devotion but also as inspiration for others looking to bring Nintendo’s playful worlds into tangible forms.

As the community anticipates the official set’s release, projects like Herscher’s highlight the enduring relevance and cross-generational appeal of Mario Kart, whether played on the Nintendo Switch or built brick by brick in real life.

Mario Kart Nintendo Mario Joseph Herscher Kart LEGO Mario Kart LEGO