Nintendo has immediately suspended the exchange of all messages via the free to download Swapnote app on the handheld 3DS after obscene content has been reported.
It’s been discovered that users had using the internet to give out their friend codes used to give permission to send and receive hand written and drawn messages and photo attachments through the WiFi enable 3DS’s Spotpass service and some of the messages sent from unknown parties have been alarmingly inappropriate for the eyes young 3DS users.
Nintendo reports on its website:
“Nintendo has learned that some consumers, including minors, have been exchanging their friend codes on Internet bulletin boards and then using Swapnote (known as Nintendo Letter Box in other regions) to exchange offensive material.”
“Nintendo has been investigating ways of preventing this and determined it is best to stop the SpotPass feature of Swapnote because it allows direct exchange of photos and was actively misused.”
Nintendo apologises for the misuse of its service and for the inconvenience caused by taking Swapnote for the time being while it further investigates and ensures quality of service. No estimation has been given as to when the service returns.