Hands-On: HTC Vive Vs. PlayStation VR - 7 Key Aspects Compared

7. Graphics/Visual Fidelity

In terms of hardware, the technical details currently work in the Vive's favour. The current rendition of the headset packs a 1080 x 1200px resolution per eye with a 90Hz refresh rate. The PlayStation VR has a 1080p resolution split between both eyes, effectively giving it a 1080 x 960 resolution per eye. What works to the PS VR's advantage is the 120Hz refresh rate, which can be adjusted down to 90Hz. On the other hand, it's worth remembering that the Vive will utilise the ever-improving power of PCs, while PlayStation VR will be limited by the fact that runs on a PS4. While the resolution may be crisp and the frame-rate smooth, is that as important as beautiful textures, shading and draw distances? How long before PS4 graphics start looking a bit dated next to the PC? A little while yet, probably, but it's still something worth considering. My visual experience of both headsets was phenomenal, with the graphical picks of the two headsets being the Portal sequence on the Vive, and the Kitchen on PlayStation VR. To my humble, slightly weak, human eyes, the frame-rate difference between the two headsets was negligible. Maybe the newness of the experience meant I was too captivated to focus on minor technical details, but both experiences blew me away. In terms of overall aesthetics, the Vive won out. Admittedly, it had the sentimentality factor of taking place in Portal, and it was incredible to literally - sorry, virtually - be in the same room as the great GLaDOS. When the Portal bot disassembles before your eyes, it's a thing of beauty, and when the room around you falls away you'd be forgiven for feeling a little uneasy. That's not to say that the PS VR's 'Kitchen' horror experience didn't turn me into a twitching, nervous wreck. It too was excellent, but visually fell short of the incredible Portal experience.