Usable replicas have always been my favourite kind of merch. In-universe clothes and props allow you to feel as though you have a piece of that world that you can interact with in the same manner as the characters themselves. The Wand Company has gone to a new level with their Pip-Boy accessories, and for fans of Bethesda’s Fallout series, it’s worth checking out these pieces of Vault-Tec tech.
 

Although this replica is certainly game-authentic, I wouldn’t consider it an iconic and recognisable enough part of the game to be worth owning on its own. When paired with a Pip-Boy, however, as Vault-Tec intended, it comes together into an extremely iconic piece of the game’s reality.

By the very nature of its in-game design, the Pip-Boy stand isn’t very decorative. However, the attention to detail is definitely there – branded by Vault-Tec on the side and RobCo underneath, the stand comes as a build-it-yourself kit, along with an in-universe themed instruction manual and even Vault-Tec branded tools! These are all nice touches that give your purchase some extra value. On top of this, the stand isn’t just a stand. In fact, it operates as a Bluetooth speaker, and as a fun extra, it can also play a selection of comments from your vault’s Overseer.

Personally, I can’t see this stand having much appeal as a stand-alone item, but paired with a Pip-Boy (which you can also buy from The Wand Company and which looks fantastically detailed), it would be a very satisfying, if costly, combo.

The fact that this stand doubles as a Bluetooth speaker does make it worth consideration. Imagine it stood there, Pip-Boy proudly displayed, piping out “I Don’t Want To Set The World On Fire” or that timeless, totally acceptable classic, “Civilization (Bongo, Bongo, Bongo)”. (Is it in your head, now? It’s in mine.)

The Pip-Boy stand is part of a series of Pip-Boy upgrades from The Wand Company, including a light-up digital display screen (£34.99) and an FM radio that has both real radio functionality as well as 20 in-universe Wasteland channels (£39.99). These are all very cool upgrades, but given that the Pip-Boy is already costly (£149.99!) this is collectively a LOT of cash to throw at what is basically a decorative Bluetooth radio. However, if you’re a fan of the Fallout series and can afford the purchase, it’s fun to know these options are out there!
 

£79.95

www.thewandcompany.com/pip-boy-accessories/

Pros:
Attention to detail
In-game themed instruction manual
Looks authentic
Bluetooth speaker
Build-it-yourself – easy but fun

Cons:
Price
Needs to pair with the Pip-Boy for full effect

4/5