What is the difference between the digital download and the boxed version of Starcraft II?

Solution 1:

The boxed version contains the following:

• 1 DVD copy of Starcraft II
• 1 Game manual
• 1 Pad of notepaper (For your build orders I'm guessing)
• 2 World of Warcraft 10 day guest passes
• 2 Starcraft II 7 hour guest passes

The digital version obviously only allows you to download, install and play the game.

Solution 2:

... In short there are no differences between the digital download version of StarCraft II and the one in the boxed version, with the Blizzard rep saying, "All the files are exactly the same, but you obviously don't get the box, DVD, or manual." Also, If you get a boxed copy of the game and add the included key into your Battle.net account, "the option to download the client online will become available." The game client is region-specific, however. As the Blizzard rep explains, "Therefore, in order for a player to log in and begin playing, both the StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty game license and the installed game client must be from the same region. If the game license and the game client don't match, the player will be unable to login."

According to this post, the answer is from a Blizzard developer

Solution 3:

Other than the fact that with the boxed version you have a physical disc, manual and a box, there's no game content differences between the boxed and digital download versions of the game.