FADE estimates 3DS digital releases generated a mere $11 million in 2011

The figures aren't official, but if numbers guestimated by US outfit FADE Forecasting & Analyzing Digital Entertainment are accurate, 3DS has some way to go before it's challenging the likes of the App Store on the digital downloads front.

FADE claims downloadable games on the handheld amassed $11.1 million in revenue during 2011, with Game Boy Color re-release The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening accounting for around 21 percent - $2.3 million in total.

Beating out the bike

That's sourced from a total of 338,700 downloads, which given the game launched on 3DS's Virtual Console in June - means the game generated around 56,000 downloads a month.

Indeed, Excitebike was actually the most popular title on offer in terms of pure downloads, topping 480,000 by the end of the year and bringing in $1.3 million in revenue.

In all, Nintendo took eight of the platform's top 10 spots, with Gameloft's Let's Golf 3D coming home in seventh and Poisoft's Hyu Stone finishing tenth.

Reaching out

"Nintendo generated 81 percent of gross revenues among downloadable titles in 2011, asserting dominance during the year," concluded director of research & analysis Benjamin Schlichter.

"However, in order for the 3DS market to grow, Nintendo will need to promote third parties in 2012."

1. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (Nintendo) - 338,700 units/$2.3 million

2. Excitebike (Nintendo) - 481,100 units/$1.3 million

3. Super Mario Land (Nintendo) - 230,500 units/$1.1 million

4. Freakyforms: Your Creations, Alive! (Nintendo) - 112,700 units/$969,000

5. Pushmo (Nintendo) - 93,300 units/$634,000

6. Kirby's Dream Land (Nintendo) - 84,500 units/$384,000

7. Let's Golf 3D (Gameloft) - 43,200 units/$356,000

8. Donkey Kong (Nintendo) - 82,800 units/$348,000

9. Xevious (Nintendo) - 47,900 units/$301,000

10. Hyu Stone (Poisoft) - 50,300 units/$293,000

More information can be found over on FADE's website.