A new usage report published by research group NPD indicates that gamers are either unware or don't care about non-gameplay features found in next generation consoles. NPD state that PS3 owners are less likely to download videos and demons on their console, and in addition to this just 37 percent of PS3 owners are aware their system has backwards game compatibility. This is a stark contrast to portable handheld owners who seem to be mostly fully aware of what their machines can do.

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The study also found that DS users are more likely to play games online than PSP users, and 360 users are more likely to play games online than PS3 and Wii users.

"This study verifies what many of us already know: features related to playing games are by far the most important to consumers of video game systems," said analyst Anita Frazier. "While systems' capabilities of providing owners with additional features may become more important in the future, currently the importance of these features and the awareness among consumers of these features is far from universal.

"To make headway in this next-gen race, manufacturers still need to be primarily concerned with the quality and entertainment value of the games themselves."