Analysts Forecasting & Analyzing Digital Entertainment (FADE) has estimated that the 3DS has generated approximately $11.1 million USD (that's just over £7 million GBP) in 2011.
The top grossing game was The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening, with 338,700 units sold (£1.46 million). Excitebike had more downloads (481,100), but because it was involved in a free promotion in June it only made £826,000.
Classic platform title Super Mario Land came in third with 230,500 units sold (£699,000).
The highest placed 3rd party entry was Gameloft's Let's Golf 3D, which sold 43,200 units.
The director of Research & Analysis at FADE, Benjamin Schlichter, said: "Nintendo generated 81% of gross revenues among downloadable titles in 2011, asserting dominance during the year. However, in order for the 3DS market to grow, Nintendo will need to promote 3rd parties in 2012."
Here's the top ten in full:
1. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (Nintendo) - 338,700 Units
2. Excitebike (Nintendo) - 481,100 Units
3. Super Mario Land (Nintendo) - 230,500 Units
4. Freakyforms: Your Creations, Alive! (Nintendo) - 112,700 Units
5. Pushmo (Nintendo) - 93,300 Units
6. Kirby's Dream Land (Nintendo) - 84,500 Units
7. Let's Golf 3D (Gameloft) - 43,200 Units
8. Donkey Kong (Nintendo) - 82,800 Units
9. Xevious (Nintendo) - 47,900 Units
10. Hyu Stone (Poisoft) - 50,300 Units