Fallout 4 Pip Boy Edition: 5 Things I Learned in 24 Hours

The Fallout 4 Pip Boy Edition is one of the year’s hottest products and it remains hard to find even now. We’ve been using the Pip Boy and there are a few things we think you should know about it.

I’m a huge fan of the Fallout series. Elder Scrolls too. So you can imagine my excitement when Bethesda took the stage at E3 2015 to announce a follow-up to one of my favorite video games of all time (Fallout 3).

Bethesda also announced a Fallout 4 Pip Boy Edition in June and I had to have it. Like many others, I put in a pre-order right after the collectors edition went on sale. Little did I know that I would become one of the lucky ones.

The Fallout 4 Pip Boy Edition sold out within a few weeks here in the United States and it has been hard (but not impossible) to find since.

You can imagine my excitement when Fallout 4 began shipping earlier this week, my Fallout 4 Pip Boy Edition along with it. While some people ran into problems at various retailers, Amazon got my Xbox One Fallout 4 Pip Boy Edition out to me problem-free.

Like many others, I ripped open yesterday’s delivery. I honestly can’t remember the last time I was this excited about a video game. (Note: I also bought the Fallout 4 Loot Crate.)

After spending the past day with the Pip Boy app and the Pip Boy, I’ve learned a few things. Today I want to share them with you because I think they’ll help current owners, those of you still waiting, and those of you trying to decide if the Pip Boy Edition is worth it.

Fallout 4 Pip Boy Setup

As a reminder, the Fallout 4 Pip Boy Edition comes with more than a copy of the game and a Pip Boy. You also get a stand for the Pip Boy, a steel case for the game, foam inserts, and a collectible box. The bundle retails for $120 but it’s hard to find for that price right now.

After opening the box and getting everything out, you’re going to need get the Pip Boy setup This requires a little bit of time and energy and I suggest setting aside 20-30 minutes so that you can get everything situated. You’ll also want to read the instruction manual because opening it up and adjusting it is tricky.

You’ll also want to spend some time with the Pip Boy application for iOS or Android. You can use this application to interact with your character’s inventory and more.

After removing the tab from the battery (there is a power light that you can turn on and off) and the placeholder screen from inside the device, you’ll want to put your phone in. The foam inserts and instructions don’t mention the iPhone 6s but if you own an iPhone 6s, you’ll be fine. It fits provided you use the right foam inserts.

Once you have everything up and running, it looks and functions a lot like a real Pip Boy though it’s important to note that the dials and knobs don’t do anything.

Don’t Press The Black Button

It looks like a real Pip Boy though I’m pretty confident that Sole Survivor’s Pip Boy is better than the one around my wrist.

Bethesda’s Pip Boy is made of plastic and while it looks great, it feels cheap. This doesn’t come as much of a surprise given that the Pip Boy Edition was only $120, $60 more than the regular version of the game.

What did surprise me though was how easily it broke. Like any grown adult with a new toy, I started fiddling with the knobs and dials and buttons. Unfortunately, I pressed down on the black rectangular button on the top of the Pip Boy and that button has now recessed into the device.

After a quick search, I discovered I’m not the only one with this problem. Plenty of other people pushed down on the button.

I (of course) made it worse by trying to get it unstuck with a screwdriver and a butter knife. If I want to fix it, it looks like I’m going to have to unscrew the device and pop up back into place. I haven’t tried yet and will let you know if I’m able to get it repaired.

Moral of story: Don’t press down on that button and be careful with everything else. It honestly feels like all of the pieces could break at any moment.

I Probably Won’t Be Wearing It While I Play

I’ve tried playing Fallout 4 with the Pip Boy strapped to my wrist. (Note: I am 31 years old.) Results, right now, are mixed.

It feels neat but it became a burden after awhile. The Pip Boy is pretty lightweight but it started nagging at my wrist and arm. I got tired of wearing it after 30 minutes and I think a lot of people are going to end up doing what I did:

Mounting it on the stand for people to gawk at when they come over. It’s probably the coolest $60 smartphone case ever made.

Using the Pip Boy with Fallout 4

The Pip Boy App itself is awesome and I’ve already started using it a whole bunch without the Pip Boy strapped to my wrist.

I’m using the iOS version of the app and I’ve found that it’s extremely stable. Some people are complaining about issues with the map but I haven’t run into this problem.

I think my use of the app will be mixed. It’s nice that I’m able to quickly pull up information (map, quests, inventory) while you’re playing but I think I’ll also pull it up when I’m offline.

I can already imagine myself laying in bed planning out my next move, researching the items in my inventory, and taking note of different locations on the map.

Is The Fallout 4 Pip Boy Edition Worth Buying?

If you are a hardcore Fallout fan, you probably already bought one. If you’re a hardcore Fallout fan and you haven’t bought one yet, I think it’s worth $120. Especially if you cosplay or collect Fallout items and gear.

If you’re new to the series or you’re a casual fan (or if the person you’re buying for is one of those), I don’t think it’s worth more than $120.

I’m a huge Fallout fan and you probably won’t catch me wearing it around. In fact, there’s a good chance it will collect dust on a shelf in my room or closet once the novelty wears off.

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