There have been plenty of outlandish pre-order bonuses over the years, but few promotional extras can compete with the functional Pip-Boy set to be included in the strictly limited collector's edition of Fallout 4. However, it's now been confirmed that not everyone will be able to make full use of their arm-mounted wasteland companion.

In the Fallout series, the Pip-Boy — also known as a Personal Information Processor — is a piece of equipment given to Vault Dwellers, giving the player access to information including their stats, a rundown of their current inventory and a way to access the world map.

Fallout 4 marks the first time in the series where players will be able to wear a 'real' Pip-Boy on their arm to help fully immerse themselves in the post-apocalyptic experience. In actuality, your smartphone is placed inside the Pip-Boy casing and an app mimics its functionality.

Several foam inserts are set to be included to ensure that different types of smartphone are compatible, but anyone with too large a phone will be disappointed to hear that they've been sized out of Pip-Boy usage. IGN reports that the iPhone 6+ and any similarly oversized devices won't fit inside the Pip-Boy.

However, Bethesda has confirmed that most regular-sized smartphones will be catered for, with the iPhone 6, iPhone 5/5s, iPhone 4/4S, Samsung Galaxy 5, and Samsung Galaxy 4 all being mentioned by name. A customizable foam insert will be included to cater to any outliers.

While anyone using a phablet won't be able to use the Pip-Boy accessory, they'll still have access to the same functionality via the app, albeit without the fun of a real-life Pip-Boy. Given the emphasis on crafting that we've seen in Fallout 4, players should perhaps get to work on their home-made alternative now.

The thought of a wearable Pip-Boy won't do much for many players, but it's certainly a novel idea for a collector's edition bonus. Fans made no secret of the fact that they were hungry for Fallout 4, so it's clear that everything is being done to cater to the series' most dedicated following.

Of course, the release of the Fallout Shelter game for mobile devices demonstrates that Bethesda are looking to target a mainstream audience just as much as they're focussed on longtime fans. It's no small task to satisfy both ends of the spectrum, but from what we've seen of Fallout 4 thus far, it stands a very good chance of doing so.

Fallout 4 is set to release on PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4 on November 10, 2015.

Source: IGN