Lego’s latest Super Mario set takes you to Dry Bowser’s Castle

Just in time for Mario Day, Lego has unveiled a new expansion set to its lineup of Super Mario starter sets. This is a 1,321-piece kit themed to Dry Bowser’s Castle, and it will be available through Lego for $109.99 with a release date of August 1. Some of the unique elements of this particular expansion set (other than Dry Bowser) include a captured purple mushroom, a fiery Marmaargh creature, and a Bone Goomba.

It’s designed to be used with other parts of existing Lego Super Mario sets, but it doesn’t come with a Lego Mario, Luigi or Peach, all of which are necessary to play with some of the set’s interactive elements. You will also need one of their respective starter kits.

While you wait for release day, you can start collecting Lego Super Mario pieces to get the most out of the new set. Currently, purchases of eligible Super Mario themed products through the Lego Store will earn double VIP points through March 12. Lego VIP members receive early access to limited edition Lego sets, exclusive discounts and can earn VIP points, which can be redeemed for discounts and exclusive Lego sets. Becoming a Lego VIP member is free and can pay dividends if you invest heavily in Lego. For example the Lego Lord of the Rings: Rivendell set was available for VIP members to pre-order three days before it opened to the general public.

But first, an explanation of how these kits work.

How do Lego Super Mario sets work?

Lego’s Super Mario playsets combine the customizability of Lego and combine it with smart technology. Mario, Luigi and Peach figures include a code reader, an accelerometer to detect movement, a small screen and a speaker. When they use a code (by stomping on Goombas, going in big, green pipes – you know, Mario stuff), you’re treated to familiar sights and sounds from the Mario universe. You get an engaging build and play experience that feels a bit like a real life version of the Super Mario Creator game.

While you can tinker with each set to build unique courses, certain elements of each course require you to follow specific instructions through the Lego Super Mario app. The app also allows you to share your specific course with others and see what others have created as well.

If you’re still a little confused about how Lego Super Mario works, check out our overview of the starter set and watch Nintendo’s official video below.

Lego Super Mario starter sets and expansions

If you want to dive into the world of Lego Super Mario, there are already several starter sets that contain everything you need to get the most out of the upcoming Dry Bowser Castle set.

Includes the starter kits for both Mario and Luigi

If you’re looking for less interactive (but still cool) versions of your favorite Mushroom Kingdom characters, Lego also offers a 2,807-piece model of Bowser for $269.99. The Mighty Bowser set stands over 12″ tall when assembled, posable and even shoots fireballs from its mouth (no, really!).

There’s also a pretty cool diorama style question mark block for $199.99. The Question Mark Block consists of 2,064 individual pieces and the set cleverly flips open to reveal several miniature replicas of environments from Super Mario 64.