Microsoft’s Fallout Pip-Boy Xbox Controllers Bring the Glow to Your Hands

Microsoft knows how to time a release perfectly. With the second season of Prime Video’s Fallout series just around the corner, the company has released a pair of controllers that draw inspiration from the game’ most recognizable device: the Pip-Boy. The Xbox controllers are available in two versions: a normal Wireless model and a top-tier Elite Series 2 variant.

First, have a look at the standard Xbox Wireless Controller with its Fallout Pip-Boy skin. The body has a deep black foundation that acts as a blank canvas for the green accents on the Pip-Boy screen. The metallic D-pad is covered in a warm green tone, with a gorgeous sheen that catches the light just exactly when it’s turned on. Etched HUD icons resembling those from the games may be found all over the top casing, including radiation symbols, health bars, and compass marks that bring to mind inventory checks and quest logs. The back panel has a textured grip to prevent you from losing it during marathon gaming sessions, and the bumpers and triggers have rubber edges to keep your thumbs steady while furiously reloading. It weighs around 280 grams, so it has some heft without being too cumbersome, and it connects to almost anything that uses the Xbox Wireless protocol or Bluetooth, including consoles, PCs, phones, as well as cloud streaming setups.

However, it’s the customization options that elevate this controller from a simple tribute to a personal item. You can use the Xbox Design Lab online to adjust the colors to match the Fallout factions: steel grey for the Brotherhood of Steel, dusty tan for the NCR, and red and yellow for the Tunnel Snakes. You may even give the triggers a metallic sheen for some extra flair, or you can stay with the standard Pip-Boy design. Because of the holiday rush, Microsoft is currently offering free engraving on the top case, allowing you to display your gamertag or vault number directly on the surface. The end result is a controller that appears like it came straight from a survival pack, ready to take on anything the wasteland has in store for you. You can pre-order the ready-made version from the Microsoft Store for roughly $80 or create your own for a little extra, depending on what you want to adjust.

For those looking to get the most out of their controller, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 takes the same Fallout skin and adds some significant improvements. The only thing you’ll need to do is visit the Design Lab and get creative by adding some Pip-Boy images to a frame that has proven to be a hit with professionals. You can then modify the sensitivity and the thumbsticks for more precise targeting, or just increase the tension on the hair triggers to save critical seconds on your shot time. Four retractable paddles across the rear allow you to plan maneuvers like jumping or crouching without having to lift your fingers from the stick. Meanwhile, inside the Xbox Accessories app, you have an unlimited number of button remapping possibilities, from shifting profiles on the fly to fine-tuning every last element of the sensitivity curve. Plus, they can last for up to 40 hours on a single charge and come with all of the same connectivity benefits as their less expensive brother. Coming in at roughly $165, this one is a little pricier, but the build quality alone justifies the additional few pennies for someone playing Fallout like it’s their day job.

Both of these controllers have a few neat features that make using them a delight. Right up top, there’s a dedicated share button, ready to record those epic images or that boss fight film. They’re also very simple to connect to your Xbox Series X, Series S, Windows PC, iOS, or Android mobile. There’s no need to mess around with proprietary dongles; simply hit the sync button and you’re in.
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