For a compact wrist-mounted DIY Pip-Boy, the best-documented starting point is Adafruit’s Pip-Boy 2040 setup: a 1.69-inch, 280×240 IPS TFT display paired with a Feather RP2040, plus a 3.7 V, 420 mAh LiPo battery with a JST-PH connector. This is a parts recommendation for that specific architecture—not a guarantee of fit or a prediction of battery life. A larger Raspberry Pi design uses a 3.5-inch PiTFT and 2200 mAh lithium battery, but its 2016 guide warns that the software is out of date.
Which display and battery are best for a compact Pip-Boy?
For a small wearable prop, the strongest documented combination is the Pip-Boy 2040: a 1.69-inch, 280×240 round-rectangle IPS TFT driven by a Feather RP2040. The guide’s sample code configures an ST7789 display over SPI. Adafruit’s featured-products page lists a 3.7 V, 420 mAh LiPo battery with a JST-PH connector for this build.
The battery product details specify 4.2 V when fully charged, 3.7 V nominal voltage, and approximately 1.55 Wh. Those figures describe the battery, not how long the assembled prop will run. Neither the project guide nor the product details report a measured runtime for the complete device.
How do the documented Pip-Boy build options compare?
| Build path | Display and controller | Battery and power | What it suits | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compact Pip-Boy 2040 | 1.69-inch, 280×240 round-rectangle IPS TFT; Feather RP2040 example, with ST7789 over SPI | 3.7 V, 420 mAh LiPo with JST-PH connector | A small wrist prop with graphic screens and physical controls | No measured complete-device runtime is published. Confirm fit and electrical compatibility for your exact board and enclosure. |
| Raspberry Pi Pip-Boy 3000 | 3.5-inch PiTFT listed for Raspberry Pi B+/2 | PowerBoost 1000C and a 2200 mAh lithium battery | A larger prop built around the Raspberry Pi design | The guide dates to 2016 and explicitly warns that its software is out of date; current compatibility is not established. |
What screen fits a Pip-Boy build?
For a Feather RP2040 wrist build
The 1.69-inch display is the clear documented choice for the compact Pip-Boy 2040 architecture. Its 280×240 resolution and round-rectangle shape are specified in John Park’s Adafruit guide, last edited April 18, 2025. The example uses SPI and the ST7789 driver, so check that a replacement screen matches the controller and interface expected by your chosen board and code.
#1 Best Overall
- The 3.5-inch touchscreen comes with a special case for the Raspberry Pi 5 that can accommodate both the touchscreen and the Raspberry Pi 5, creating a perfect combination of touchscreen and Raspberry Pi 5.
- 480 x 320 resolution, 60 FPS refresh rate for Raspberry Pi, supports 125 MHz SPI signal input, stable display without flickering. (Note: The 3.5” touch screen is available for Raspberry Pi 4 and Raspberry Pi 5, but the case is only available for Raspberry Pi 5).
- Come with mini fan and heat sink, make sure your Raspberry Pi 5 works stably to achieve the best heat dissipation, you don't need to worry about heat dissipation.
- Compatible with Raspbain, Ubuntu, Kali and RetroPie systems, free driver installation and tutorials are provided, please refer to the electronic manual for details. Raspberry Pi 5 currently only provides Raspbian system, if you want to install other system, please contact us.
- The scope of delivery includes: 3.5-inch touch screen, case for Raspberry Pi 5, pen, screwdriver, heatsink, rubber feet, screws, metal braces and mini fan.
This pairing is not established as a drop-in display for a Raspberry Pi. A screen’s physical dimensions alone do not establish software or electrical compatibility.
For a larger Raspberry Pi design
The Raspberry Pi Pip-Boy 3000 guide lists a 3.5-inch PiTFT for Raspberry Pi B+/2. It is a substantially larger display option than the compact build’s 1.69-inch screen, and it belongs to a different platform and project design. The guide was published in 2016; its software section says the code is out of date, so treat it as a historical hardware reference and verify compatibility before purchasing components.
Rank #2
- 【RP2040 Development Platform】It uses the Raspberry Pi Pico development board and is equipped with the RP2040 microcontroller, making it suitable for e-learning, programming instruction, and embedded project development.
- 【Multiple programming methods】Supports MicroPython, C/C++, and Piper Make graphical programming to meet the needs of users at different learning stages.
- 【Rich experimental modules】Includes common electronic components such as LCD1602 display module, SG90 servo motor, human body sensing module, WS2812 RGB LED strip, buzzer, and buttons, covering basic applications such as display, input, sensing, and execution control.
- 【Comprehensive learning tutorial】The kit provides detailed project tutorials and sample code to help users quickly complete circuit connections, program downloads, and experimental verification.
- 【Suitable for STEM education】Ideal for electronics beginners and school lab teaching. Through hands-on project practice, it effectively improves practical skills, logical thinking and innovation ability, making it a great choice for programming enlightenment and hobby cultivation.
What battery should you use for a wearable Pip-Boy?
Compact build: 3.7 V, 420 mAh LiPo
For the Pip-Boy 2040 parts selection, Adafruit lists a 3.7 V, 420 mAh LiPo with a JST-PH connector. The product page gives approximately 1.55 Wh and identifies 4.2 V as the fully charged voltage. Use these as the specifications of the documented battery choice, not as a universal battery recommendation: the right pack depends on the board, charging circuit, wiring, and available enclosure space.
Larger Raspberry Pi build: 2200 mAh battery and PowerBoost 1000C
The older Raspberry Pi guide pairs its 3.5-inch PiTFT project with a PowerBoost 1000C and a 2200 mAh lithium battery. These are the components listed for that particular design; the guide does not establish that they are suitable for a different Raspberry Pi, display, or enclosure. Check the project documentation and component requirements before adapting the power path.
Rank #3
- GREAT PICTURE QUALITY:This 8” touchscreen monitor has a beautiful HD screen of 1280X800 resolution,the picture quality is clear and crisp,advanced IPS glossy screen support 178° full viewing angle,brings a impressive visual experience
- FIVE-POINT TOUCH:Responds quickly in two seconds without the need for additional keyboard and mouse controls,and there's no lag whether you're swiping/scrolling/selecting/zooming in/zooming out or moving the cursor(Note: you need to connect to the USB port to use the touch screen function)
- DETACHABLE BACKBOARD&HOLES FOR WALL MOUNTS:The portable touchscreen monitor backboard is designed with a detachable stand and offers multi-angle support in both horizontal and vertical orientations.The detachable back cover provides sufficient protection for the touch screen display,and the back cover can be flexibly removed which compatible with standard 100/75/50 wall mounts.This ensures maximum versatility and compatibility with various mounting options available in the market
- PLUG-N-PLAY&FAST INSTALLATION:Simply connect the screen to device via HDMI interface and power the USB port to achieve function and no need to install any driver. The Switch button can turn on/off the monitor at any time, making it convenient for you to save power and reduce losses. It is a very energy-saving portable HDMI monitor
- WIDELY COMPATIBLE WITH VARIOUS DEVICE AND IOS:Designed for Raspberry Pi enthusiasts,our 8 inch monitor suits all Raspberry Pi versions,including Raspberry Pi(PI5/PI4/PI3B+/PI3/PI2/ZERO).Compatible with Octo Pi,BB Black,Banana Pi,Retro Pi,game consoles (XBOX/PS4/PS5),computers,TV boxes,and more.While this small monitor works seamlessly with Windows,Raspbian,Noobs,Kali-linux,Debian,Ubuntu,and Kodi,please note that touch functionality is disabled on IOS systems
How to check display and battery compatibility before buying
- Match the architecture. Decide whether you are building around the Feather RP2040 compact design or adapting the larger Raspberry Pi project. Do not assume parts documented for one platform work with the other.
- Check display interface and software. Confirm the screen’s controller, interface, resolution, and physical shape against the board and code. The compact guide’s example configures an ST7789 display over SPI.
- Verify battery voltage and power circuitry. Compare the battery’s voltage with the board’s requirements, and establish whether the design needs a charging circuit, boost converter, or other power-management component. The cited parts lists are not universal wiring instructions.
- Confirm connector and polarity. Match the battery connector type and polarity to the board or power circuit. A connector that fits physically is not proof of correct polarity or electrical compatibility.
- Measure the enclosure space. Check the display dimensions, battery dimensions, wiring clearance, and room for controls against your actual wrist enclosure. The cited guides do not establish that every listed part fits every custom case.
- Plan for runtime testing. Capacity alone does not reveal operating time. Once assembled, test the finished build under its real screen brightness, activity, and usage conditions; neither cited design publishes measured runtime for a complete device.
What the published figures do—and do not—tell you
The compact project documents a 1.69-inch, 280×240 display and the associated 420 mAh battery choice; the product page also gives the battery’s voltage and approximate energy. The older Raspberry Pi guide documents a 3.5-inch screen, 2200 mAh battery, and PowerBoost 1000C. These are useful starting points for selecting parts within each design, but they are not comparative battery-life tests, current inventory confirmations, or guarantees of compatibility with newer hardware.
Raspberry Pi’s Wearing Raspberry Pi Pico feature also describes the Pip-Boy 2040 as a Feather RP2040 wearable project. For its detailed display and battery selection, use the project-specific Adafruit documentation and verify parts against your own build.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 7 inches, 800x480 pixels, IPS type, wide viewing angle, capacitive touchscreen, enjoy smooth touch response and excellent clarity for all your Raspberry Pi projects.
- Specially designed, simply connect to your raspberry pi's MIPI DSI interface. (No additional connections required.)
- Fully Compatible with Raspberry Pi 5/ 4B / 3B+ / 3B / 3A+ / 2B. (No HDMI port, not compatible with any other device.)
- Supports for Raspbian OS 2 points to zoom the page(old version), for Ubuntu/Kali/Win10 IoT (single-touch only). Support backlight brightness adjustment.
- Easy to use, no configuration required, plug and play (for new and configuration unchanged raspberry pi systems). Instructions was provided.
Rank #4
- Specially Designed Connectors for Pi Zero, Easy to Build All-in-one Mini Computer
- Mini HDMI port, USB Micro male port ×2 (1× HUB, 1× Power supply)
- 170° Viewing Angle, Fast Response, Precise And Natural Color. No Ripples On Touch, Better Touch Experience
- 7inch Capacitive Touch Screen, Supports 5-Point Touch* Making Human-Computer Interaction More Convenient (* the actual number of touch points depends on the software and system)
- Headphone jack, 4PIN speaker header
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
