I don't understand these sets. Although an interesting idea in theory... they are really expensive and (outside of Bowser, which I'm actually impressed by) don't have the usual "wow, that looks cool" factor that I expect from LEGO models.  Maybe it will all end up being much better than I expect though.

Still holding out hope for a Lego Mario Game. Maybe a joint effort between TT and Intelligent Systems to make a Lego/Paper Mario crossover?

These seem more like a play set and less focused on building.  My brother is very into Lego and says that there was a point in the early 2000s where sales were down and they determined that the sets were too basic.  They mistakenly assumed that children would need easy-to-build sets and focused more on the play element for the completed sets.  When they switched back to the focus of building and children getting personal satisfaction from completing a complicated set themselves the sales went back up.  This doesn't really fit that philosophy.

My guess is that a lot of this is Nintendo's idea.  It seems to, frankly, miss the whole point of what Lego's appeal is and I can see Nintendo missing that but not Lego themselves.  I would think the real appeal of Lego based on licenced IP is that kids can make their own Star Wars or Marvel Superheroes world.  This seems too abstract for kids to make their own Mario world.  Mario isn't even a mini-fig!

Considering Miyamoto is suppose to be in charge of these non-videogame related collaborations, it shouldn't be too much of a surprise.  At least be happy this is what he overlooks at Nintendo instead of the games divisions.  Maybe this is why the rumors say the next Paper Mario will be an RPG again because Miyamoto is too busy yelling at Lego instead of IS. ;D

This is making me think of Marge Simpson baking a special cake for Homer to ruin.

I clicked on this thinking that was what was being reviewed :-/