🏎️ LEGO Mario Kart Mania, Green Bricks & Festive Botanicals
Greetings, Brickmasters
Any 90s kids in the house fans of the original Power Rangers?
Here’s a fun fact: the original Power Rangers had such a limited budget that they reused fight scenes from a Japanese show.
This will make sense soon, but first let's get to some LEGO news:
In This Edition:
🔗 Holiday Themed Botanical Sets Revealed
🌱 Oil-Based Bricks to be phased out by 2032
🏎️ Mario Kart Sets Announced
📈 LEGO's Revenue n H1 2024 Defies Toy Industry
Today's a 4 minute read. Let's get to it...
LEGO Unveils Holiday Cheer with New Botanical Sets
LEGO has expanded its Botanical collection with two new festive sets: a vibrant Poinsettia and a versatile Wreath.
The ↳Poinsettia set #10370 captures the essence of the holiday season with its rich reds and greens, perfect for table displays—guaranteed to never wilt, no matter how forgetful your watering habits might be.
The Wreath set #10340 set is customizable, offering options for wall or table decor with interchangeable berries and bows. Both sets emphasize sustainability with plant-based plastic elements and will be available on October 1st, just in time to outshine your neighbor’s decor.
Speaking of sustainability...
LEGO to Phase Out Oil-Based Bricks for Costlier Renewable Plastic by 2032
LEGO has committed to replacing its oil-based plastic bricks with renewable and recycled alternatives by 2032, despite the higher costs involved. The company is investing in certified renewable resin, which can cost up to 70% more, aiming to reduce fossil fuel content in its products.
By 2026, LEGO plans to source over half of its plastic needs from sustainable materials, up from 30% in early 2024.
Don't worry, LEGO says they're absorbing the extra cost, so your wallet stays as green as the planet they're trying to save. 🤞
LEGO Super Mario Goes Full Throttle with First-Ever Mario Kart Sets
LEGO and Nintendo have officially unveiled six new Super Mario Mario Kart sets, launching January 1, 2025. Just in time to derail any New Year’s resolutions about spending less on LEGO.
The sets include Yoshi’s Bike, Standard Kart, Donkey Kong & DK Jumbo, Baby Mario vs. Baby Luigi, Toad’s Garage, and Baby Peach & Grand Prix. These sets feature customizable karts, interactive play with existing LEGO Super Mario figures, and unique course items, promising endless creative racing scenarios.
Set Details and Prices:
- Yoshi Bike (72031) - $14.99
- Standard Kart (72032) - $19.99
- Donkey Kong & DK Jumbo (72033) - $29.99
- Baby Mario vs. Baby Luigi (72034) - $34.99
- Toad’s Garage (72035) - $39.99
- Baby Peach & Grand Prix Set (72036) - $69.99
Interactivity
To elevate the interactive experience, fans can place LEGO Mario, Luigi, or Peach figures into the Mario Kart sets, unlocking digital play features.
This includes authentic Mario Kart sounds like race-start cues, drifting effects, and horn honks. Players can also scan Item Boxes to collect extra coins and boost their score as they race, making the gameplay even more immersive and engaging .
LEGO and Nike Unite for a Multi-Year Collab
LEGO and Nike have announced a multi-year partnership to create co-branded products, content, and experiences.
What has us day-dreaming are the hypebeast sneaker designs that could emerge—like the ones conceptualized by Instagram artists pix.motion & gravepnz.
LEGO's Revenue Surges 13% in H1 2024
LEGO reported a 13% revenue increase in the first half of 2024, driven by strong sales in its LEGO Icons and Creator lines, and a successful partnership with Fortnite.
Despite a cautious consumer environment, especially in China, LEGO continues to expand globally with plans for new store openings.
Here are the main key takeaways:
- Revenue reached 31 billion Danish kroner (~$4.65 billion) in H1 2024.
- LEGO sees significant growth in volume, reversing last year's trend of "trading down."
- Expansion in China remains a priority, with 20 new stores planned for the second half of 2024.
You're welcome, LEGO.
Oh, one more thing...
LEGO Revives the 1966 Batmobile
Batman fans, assemble!
LEGO has officially announced the ↳76328 Classic TV Series Batmobile, launching October 1st for $149.99.
This 1,822-piece set recreates the iconic 1966 Batmobile from the beloved Adam West era, measuring 20 inches in length. Highlights include a detailed cockpit, molded windshield, spinning wheels, and the ever-essential Bat-Computer in the trunk.
It also features a rotating display stand and a plaque for collectors. A newly designed classic Batman minifigure is included, though some fans are disappointed at the absence of Robin—Biff! BAM! POW!
That's all for this edition. As promised, here's a video on an epic LEGO build of the Power Ranger's Megazord.
👋 Studbee