The serial number of the console on the outside of the box is only a barcode (no number below it). It's the longest barcode on the outside sticker. You can match up the console serial barcodes if you look at the barcode pattern on your box vs. the console. The barcode pattern should be exact.
When microsoft reboxes consoles (like they did for early Christmas 09 elite bundles), they reprint the outside UPC/Serial/DOB, etc information. I've seen Elites and Arcade systems with new stickers placed over the old sticker.
Look at the back of the console for the serial number. This serial number is ALSO printed on the chasis. On the front of your 360, where the wired joystick plugs in, the serial number can be seen if you flip the little door/flap/cover open. These should match NO MATTER WHAT!!!
I suspect some shens going on here. If the date doesn't match up from the console vs. box sticker, something is not right. Microsoft reprints the sticker so it matches the console inside the package.
For a long time, stores used to scan the carboard box's serial number. Starting day one of the 360's, microsoft's packaging had the option to remove a little punched out section so you could see the actual consoles and it'sserial number. Only the past 2 ish years has Microsoft themselves have removed this little section of the box so stores can scan the actual consoles serial number, not just what is printed on the outside of the box.
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