New Lego Super Mario Starter Sets Cost Less And Come With Better Figures

Mario’s new starter course is bound to be the most popular set of the bunch. As mentioned, the new starter courses only cost $50, and while you’re getting fewer pieces (218 vs. 231), the set more than makes up for it with its figures. Along with Mario, the set comes with Yoshi, Goomba, and Bowser Jr. Yoshi is a brand-new addition in the refreshed starter set, and Bowser Jr. can now zip around in style with his glorious Clown Car.

Luigi’s new starter set comes with Kamek on her broomstick, Boo, and Pink Baby Yoshi. His original set came with Boom Boom, Bone Goomba, Pink (Adult) Yoshi. The star addition is Kamek, but you’ll probably want the Mario starter set, too, as Kamek and Bowser Jr. need to trade insults with each other. It’s possible Pink Yoshi retired from his post in this course and forced his offspring to take on the role. Believe it or not, there are no labor laws in the Mushroom Kingdom preventing Baby Yoshi from working.

Like the other two starter courses, the new Princess Peach set switches things up a bit in terms of figures. While you still get a Lava Bubble and Yellow Toad–except this version of Toad has a shocked expression instead of a smile–Lemmy has been swapped out with Lakitu. Naturally, Lakitu has a cloud to ride on and a fishing hook to mess with your precious bricks. If you’re keeping score at home, this means all three starter sets now have flying enemies. That said, we’re pretty sure looks are deceiving here, and none of these lovable Lego villains can actually fly.

Looking for an epic Lego Mario set to piece together? Look no further than The Bowser Express Train. Clocking in at 1,392 pieces–which makes it the largest Lego Mario expansion ever–this very cool kit lets you build a Bowser-themed train with a bunch of interactive features. Highlights include a spinning platform, detachable handcar, and a spring-loaded cannon to blast away at nearby foes. It also comes packed with Super Mario figures, including Hammer Bro, Boom Boom, two Goombas, and two Para-Biddybuds.

King Boo’s Haunted Mansion also joins the catalog of large-scale Lego Mario expansion expansion sets. This 932-piece set is one of our favorites in the entire Lego Mario series. Just look at that mansion design! If your Lego Mario/Luigi/Peach figures are brave, they can open the doors and step inside the pretty (but also pretty haunted) residence of King Boo. Your objective is to locate a key, unlock a treasure chest, and thwart the King Boo. The set has some cool interactive elements, including a rising sofa, a movable bookshelf, and multiple Blocks. Beyond King Boo, you get three additional figures: Yellow Baby Yoshi, Dry Bones, and a regular Boo.

Though it doesn’t come with Peach, this is a great addition to any Lego Super Mario starter set. It lets you build a medium-size version of Peach’s Castle, complete with walls designed to collapse and a firing catapult to keep enemies at bay. This set includes figurines for Roy, Toad, and Chain Chomp. After Roy is done at the castle, he is rumored to be competing in a chariot race. But first, he must teach his trusty steed how to “neigh” instead of barking like a dog.

Soda Jungle is one of the coolest worlds in any side-scrolling Super Mario game, and now this vibrant and unique setting is available in Lego format. The 598-piece set comes with heaps of interactive components pulled from New Super Mario Bros. U, including a Special Pipe that starts a Speed Run challenge. You’ll also get a Pink Shy Guy, Wiggler, and a Piranha Plant, along with cool accessories like a buildable raft and tons of jungle-based decorations.

At just 173 pieces, Goombas’ Playground is the smallest and cheapest of the new expansions. You’ll get to build an adorable little playset featuring an interactive seesaw and tree trunk, as well as three buildable Goombas. To get the most out of the set, be sure to pair it with an interactive Mario, Luigi, or Peach figure.