LEGO Super Mario World: Mario & Yoshi (71438) — Worth ₹13,699?

Your wallet just blinked. LEGO Super Mario World: Mario & Yoshi (71438) is here, and while it brings some beloved characters, the price is… a conversation starter. This set is aimed squarely at fans of the classic Super Mario World era, bringing Mario and his dinosaur pal Yoshi into the buildable world.

Let's talk about the build itself. It’s not a massive undertaking, clocking in at 250 pieces. This is more of a character build and display piece than a complex construction project. You get a decent-sized, brick-built Mario figure and a similarly constructed Yoshi. The design team has done a commendable job capturing the pixelated charm of these characters in LEGO form. Mario's iconic red cap and overalls are well-represented, and Yoshi’s distinctive shape and colour are instantly recognisable. They’ve even included some interactive elements, with the figures featuring printed tiles for their eyes, which can be swapped out for different expressions. This adds a nice touch of personality and customisation, something LEGO fans always appreciate.

The set also includes a small brick-built environment, reminiscent of classic Super Mario World levels. There’s a small green hill section with a coin block and a Super Star. These elements aren’t groundbreaking, but they serve their purpose in grounding the characters within their familiar universe. The playability aspect for those who own the LEGO Super Mario starter sets is there, but this set is primarily for display. If you’re a collector of LEGO Super Mario characters or a huge fan of Super Mario World, the aesthetic appeal will likely outweigh the simplicity of the build.

However, the piece count is low for the price. At ₹13,699 from MyBrickHouse, that's over ₹54 per piece. Even Toycra's ₹10,274 price tag, while better, still puts it around ₹41 per piece. This is on the higher side, even for licensed themes. While the characters are well-executed, the overall construction doesn't justify such a high cost in terms of brick volume or complexity. You're paying a premium for the IP and the specific character designs.

The inclusion of Yoshi is a big draw. He’s a fan favourite, and getting a brick-built version adds significant value for collectors. The articulation on both figures is decent, allowing for some posing options, but don’t expect hyper-realistic movement. They are static builds with some articulation points. The printed eye tiles are a neat feature, adding replayability for display arrangements.

Ultimately, this set feels like a collector's item first and a building experience second. The build is quick, and the result is a charming display piece. But the price point is a major hurdle. If you're deeply invested in the LEGO Super Mario universe and can snag it at a discount, it’s a worthwhile addition. For others, the cost-to-piece ratio might make you hesitate. It’s a solid 3 out of 5 for the set itself, but the value proposition is questionable at full retail.

In India, the LEGO Super Mario World: Mario & Yoshi (71438) is available at MyBrickHouse for ₹13,699. Toycra has it for ₹10,274 — use code ABHINAV12 for 12% off on orders above ₹500 at Toycra. That's enough for 11kg of premium Alphonso mangoes or 18 months of Spotify Premium. Given the high price per piece, it's probably best to wait for a significant sale or discount. MyBrickHouse | Toycra.

The decision to buy hinges on your passion for the Super Mario World theme and your tolerance for higher-priced, character-focused sets. If you’re a completionist for the Super Mario line or a die-hard fan of Mario and Yoshi, you’ll likely be happy, even with the cost. For the casual builder or someone more budget-conscious, this is definitely a set to watch for sales. It’s not a bad set, but it’s not a steal either.

On that bombshell, it's time to say goodbye. I'll see you on the next one. Bubyee.

Verdict: WAIT. Good set, but the price will drop.