Analysts are expecting weak sales for October 2009, when the data is released on Thursday through the NPD group. The main reason for this is due to less than expected sales of new IPs, such as Brutal Legend, DJ Hero and Borderlands. In comparison, last October saw sequels to 3 established IPs; Fallout 3, Fable 2 and Guitar Hero: World Tour.

They also mention that a potential boost of sales may come from the recent price cuts for each console.

However, Sony's PS3 may get a boost from the release of exclusive game titles "Uncharted 2: Among Thieves" and "Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time." "Uncharted 2" has garnered a Metacritic score of 96 -- the second highest rating for any game title on the PS3 console.

Gamestop are also expecting weak sales for October, but are confident that November will be a much better month:

"Looking beyond October, we still expect solid improvement in software sales trends, driven by improved hardware demand on recent price cuts and a better title line-up [particularly in November with Call of Duty 6 potentially shattering records]. The stock trades below levels suggested by 2010 industry growth and as momentum builds, we expect a bounce in valuation to levels more in line with 2010 industry growth expectations."