We've heard it so many times from the big three: today's consoles and handhelds are more than just gaming devices. Many of us realize this, but more are simply unaware of what their machines can do outside playing games. Research group NPD found "significant gaps between owners aware of functional features extending beyond video game play and those who are unaware of these features."

Online play is almost where the premiere experience of some games are at, but other features of consoles are left untouched. There are plenty of PS3 users that avail of downloadable content, but most owners and those planning to be have no idea that the machine offers DLC.

A good number of PS3 owners and likely purchasers - 71% of them - are hungry for backwards compatibility. The funny thing is, only 37% from the same group know that previous PlayStation console games are playable on Sony's latest.

It's almost impossible not to know about Wii's motion sensing capabilities (people buy it for that, after all), but some features of Ninty's magic wand are still alien to most users. A lot want their Wii online, but have no idea it's possible. Same can be said for playing GameCube games.

We all love the PSP, but some people don't know its magic aside from games. Among those that currently own Sony's handheld and those planning to get one, only 52% know that it can be used for playing movies and videos. Some 49% are aware that they can play music, and 43% know they can view photos.

The Stylus screams "touch screen," but only 57% of owners and likely buyers know about the DS's nifty function. Only 53% know of the dual-screens, while 49% will be surprised if you told them about poking Ninty's handheld with the Stylus.

Other features of modern day systems are yet to be uncovered by some, such as connectivity of handhelds to consoles or playing online. More DS owners actually use WiFi than PSP owners, and more 360s are online than PS3s. Quoting NPD analyst Anita Frazier, "manufacturers still need to be primarily concerned with the quality and entertainment value of the games themselves."