Nintendo suspends Swapnote on 3DS due to ‘offensive material’

Nintendo has suspended its Swapnote messaging service on the 3DS due to the exchange of "offensive material".

The console firm said the service, which allows users to send photos and hand drawn messages to each other via SpotPass or StreetPass, had been "actively misused".

In a statement the company was investigating methods of preventing the transfer of offensive images to minors. The suspension of the service has affected all regions.

"Nintendo always wants to provide a positive experience for all consumers and limit the risk of any inappropriate activity or misuse of a service. We feel it is important on this occasion to take this action," read a statement from Nintendo.

"We are very sorry for any inconvenience to the many consumers who have been using this service responsibly; however this decision was made considering the point that many minors also use this feature of Swapnote. Thank you for your understanding."