Softs are actually better (it seems) than in mid to late 08. I usually judge by how many titles are over 10k, and what the number 30 titles is at (that way you can tell if the market as a whole is doing better, or if just a few titles are buoying sales)
most of last year only the top 12-15 were over 10k, and no. 30 was below 5k. This week the entire top 20 is over 10k. And number 30 is 7.3k...
Back when the whole market was strong... It was regular for the entire top 30 to be over 10k, many times no. 30 was as high 12-15k on a regular week.
Last year weekly sales seemed to be steady at 800k for a regular week, back in the day (PSX) weekly sales were closer to 1.5 million.
But this week is an improvement so far... hardware looks crappy though.
End of 2009 Predictions (Set, January 1st 2009)
Wii- 72 million 3rd Year Peak, better slate of releases
360- 37 million Should trend down slightly after 3rd year peak
PS3- 29 million Sales should pick up next year, 3rd year peak and price cut
