I am sorry if this has already been covered in another thread, I have searched and found no results.

 

My question is this, if I buy a boxed version of 737-8/900 base and find its not current release can this be updated?

Regards Rob

It will not be the current release (still SP1c in the box), but: With the boxed NGX, head over to Aerosoft and navigate to their updates database. In order to download the latest full NGX installer (including SP1d), have your serial key from the box ready. Uninstall/install instructions are pinned here in the PMDG forums.

Honestly, as soon as I'd gotten the boxed version in my hands, I'd take the key and go download from Aerosoft. There's no sense in installing the version on the DVD at all unless it says with certainty that it's SP1d on the CD. Save yourself the frustration of installing, uninstalling, and so on.