Microsoft just flipped the switch on a pair of limited-edition Fallout Pip-Boy Xbox controllers, and I have the full breakdown. Preorders are live right now, the hardware is real, and shipments are set to start December 16, 2025. If you love Fallout or collect Xbox gear, this is the drop to watch. 🎮
What Microsoft Just Announced
There are two controllers. A Standard Xbox Wireless Controller with a Fallout Pip-Boy design priced at 82.97 dollars. An Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 with the same theme priced at 164.58 dollars. Both are available through the Microsoft Store and through Xbox Design Lab for personalization.
The launch lines up with the countdown to Season 2 of the Fallout TV series. That timing is no accident. It puts a premium collectible in front of fans, and it arrives as the show returns.
The design leans hard into Vault-Tec. Expect a warm Pip-Boy green, stylized HUD icons, a green metallic D-pad, and a custom top case that looks pulled from a wrist computer. It reads Fallout the moment you open the box.
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Compatibility covers Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, iOS, and Android, using Xbox Wireless or Bluetooth.
Design, Build, and Tech Details
The Standard model keeps Microsoft’s familiar shape and weight. It includes the modern Share button for quick screenshots and clips. The finish has that Vault-Tec green pop, and the metallic D-pad completes the Pip-Boy look. If you want the theme without changing how you play, this is it.
The Elite Series 2 version is built for control. It adds adjustable tension thumbsticks, extra rear paddles, wraparound rubberized grips, and hair-trigger locks. You also get deeper button remapping through the Xbox Accessories app. That can shave time off inputs in shooters and action games. It also helps if you play many genres and want separate profiles.
Both controllers keep full platform support. Pair to consoles with Xbox Wireless, then switch to phones or PCs over Bluetooth. If you stream games on mobile, the Fallout theme carries nicely to that setup.
Ordering through Xbox Design Lab unlocks colors, metallic accents, and engraving. Microsoft is offering free engraving for a limited holiday window.
Standard vs Elite, Which Should You Buy
Here is the short read. The Standard Pip-Boy controller is the best entry for fans who want the look and a fair price. The Elite Pip-Boy is for players who will use paddles, custom tension, and hair triggers every day. If those features do not change how you play, the Standard will save you money and still glow with Vault-Tec charm.
- Pick Standard if you play casually, value the art, and want broad device support at a lower price.
- Pick Elite if you live in competitive games, rely on paddles, and want stronger grips and tuning.
- Collectors who never unbox should consider the Elite, since pro builds often hold value longer.
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Shipments start December 16, 2025. That is a tight window for holiday delivery. If this is a gift, plan for possible delays.
The Bigger Picture
This is a smart, two-lane release. Microsoft is tapping a massive franchise while letting users choose their level of investment. Rolling it into Design Lab raises the ceiling even higher. Fans can lock in the Fallout art, then add their own identity with accents and engraving.
For players, the win is choice without compromise. Both controllers work across console, PC, and mobile. The Standard preserves the familiar feel. The Elite adds performance features that normally clash with special edition designs. Here, you do not have to trade function for style.
For the industry, this signals how game IP and hardware now move together. Expect more limited runs tied to shows and game beats. Expect Design Lab to become the canvas for that strategy. It turns a themed drop into a personal object, not a generic skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When do the Fallout Pip-Boy controllers ship?
A: Microsoft lists shipments starting December 16, 2025. Preorders are open now.
Q: What platforms do they support?
A: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, iOS, and Android. Use Xbox Wireless or Bluetooth to connect.
Q: What does the Elite Series 2 add over the Standard?
A: Adjustable tension thumbsticks, rear paddles, hair-trigger locks, wraparound rubberized grips, and expanded mapping in the Xbox Accessories app.
Q: Can I customize and engrave these controllers?
A: Yes. Through Xbox Design Lab you can choose colors and metallic parts. Engraving is available, with free engraving offered for a limited holiday window.
Q: Should I preorder now or wait?
A: If you want this exact Fallout design, preorder now. If you only care about function, the base Elite and Standard models are often easier to find and sometimes discounted.
The bottom line, Microsoft is delivering a sharp, playable tribute to Fallout that fits any setup. Pick Standard for style and value, or Elite for control and grip. Either way, the Pip-Boy vibe is strong, and the timing is perfect for fans ready to jump back into the wasteland. ☢️
