That Watch is Ridiculously Enormous – A ‘Fallout’ Pip-Boy Explainer
A smart vault dweller doesn’t go anywhere without a Pip-Boy wearable computer. What is the iconic Fallout gadget, and what does it do?
The live-action Fallout series has taken the world by storm. Folks who have been playing the games for years will recognize the universe’s tech and enjoy all the Easter eggs. The show has attracted new fans who haven’t played the video games, though. Some of you may be wondering what that thing the vault dwellers wear on their wrists is. The Pip-Boy is a smart watch, Fallout style.
What is a Pip-Boy?
One of the most iconic devices in the Fallout games is the Pip-Boy (which stands for Personal Information Processor). This wearable computer was designed and manufactured by RobCo Industries before the nuclear bombs dropped during the Great War and was later modified for vault dwellers by Vault-Tec.
The Pip-Boy is essentially a (very) large, retrofuturistic smartwatch that uses vacuum tubes and wires instead of silicon and LEDs. Look at this chunk…
READ MORE: “Keep Walkin’, Smooth Skin” – A Guide to the ‘Fallout’s Ghouls
What Does a Pip-Boy Do?
The wearable has multiple functions that change depending on the model. It can act as a Gieger counter, navigator, and walkie-talkie, among other tools. It can also act as a radio to listen to the top tunes of the Vaults or topside in the Wasteland… but, please, no fiddle music.
In the video games, it’s mainly used to access your character’s inventory and stats. The display prominently features everyone’s favorite corporate mascot, Vault-Boy, doing various things.
What Types of Pip-Boys Are There in Fallout?
Over time, the Pip-Boy has evolved, and different vaults have modified the computers to suit their specific needs.
Pip-Boy 1.0
The first version made by RobCo Industries was housed in a metal frame attached to a cuff worn on the forearm. Being a prototype, it doesn’t have the sleek, truly wearable housing the modern versions do. It featured a small display, a 16-button keyboard, a three-setting dial, a toggle switch, and a set of indicator lights.
As you can see, it’s a start but far too bulky to be really useful.
Pip-Boy 2000
This more advanced pre-war version has solid housing and can be worn on the wrist. While not as cumbersome as the first version, the Fallout Pip-Boy was still massive with its 5″ x 3″ screen plus a control panel. It was originally marketed as a powerful, PDA-like gadget that could help people keep track of their busy lives with a voice and video recorder, GPS-like mapping program, and convenient data storage. Users could enter and send text messages, but it’s a super slow process.
The case features an early, pre-war RobCo mascot with red hair.
Pip-Boy 2000 Mark VI
The next evolution of RobCo’s personal digital assistant appeared in Fallout 76. Each vault dweller was given a Pip-Boy 2000 Mark IV as they set out to rebuild Appalachia a quarter century after the Great War. This model can keep tabs on the wearer’s status and monitor radiation with a built-in Geiger counter. It’s also able to have a sonar module that can display locations and nearby persons and creatures. The 2000 Mark VI is also markedly smaller than the 2000 but still has to make room for the vacuum tubes required for it to function.
Pip-Boy 3000
This Pip-Boy has a biometric lock and glove to keep it on its wearer’s wrist. Like the previous model, it has a green and black monochrome screen. It can keep track of its user’s condition, has a built-in mapping system, and can take voice notes. It features some upgrades like a built-in radio and Pip-Boy light to make sure the wearer doesn’t bump into furniture in the dark.
Small hardware updates were made to the 3000 over time. The Pip-Boy 3000A ditched the biometric lock and is locked with bolts instead, allowing it to be removed. In-game options offered multiple skins for this model, so your tech could be more fashionable in the Wasteland.
Pip-Boy 3000 Mark IV
The Mark IV got an upgrade, with dials moving from the left to the right for ergonomics. The biometric lock was replaced with a latch for quick removal. It also got a UI upgrade with animated images—it’s even able to play video games like Atomic Command and Red Menace.
Pip-Boys in Live-Action Fallout
The show has its own version of the Pip-Boy that has simple controls and a smaller body. Lucy and the other vault dwellers regularly use their Pip-Boys during everyday life to communicate, take notes, and look up information. The live-action version also has the ability to act as a GPS, connect to tracking devices, and open gates if the codes match up.
We’ll have to see in Season 2 (yep, we’re getting one) if it has more features that can help Lucy venture into new parts of the top side with The Ghoul.
What features would you want in your Pip-Boy?
