Nintendo has killed SpotPass on the 3DS after it discovered some users exchanging offensive material using the service.

An update on Nintendo’s official site states: “some consumers, including minors, have been exchanging their friend codes on Internet bulletin boards and then using Swapnote 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 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.”

The company apologised for any inconvenience to the many consumers using SpotPass responsibly, but said the decision was made because many minors use the service.