What major design approach did Mario Kart World introduce to the Mario Kart series?

Mario Kart World introduced open-world design to the Mario Kart series. Its courses are connected by roads and surrounding environments rather than existing only as isolated selections on a menu.

The interconnected world supports Free Roam, where players can drive beyond standard race tracks, find collectibles, complete missions, and take photos of their chosen driver. It also changes how Grand Prix events work.

In Grand Prix, racers drive from one course to the next. The journey between courses becomes part of the event, creating a continuous route instead of four completely separate races.

The open-world structure does not remove traditional racing. Players can still race on tracks for three laps outside Grand Prix, while the new design adds exploration and longer travel between destinations.