Cables Needed to Play PS3 Games: Essential and Optional Connections

Setting up a PS3? Here's exactly what cables you need—and what you don't.

Essential (Must Have)

HDMI Cable: Best video (1080p) and audio quality. Preferred for all modern TVs. Not included with original PS3 Fat models.
Power Cord: Connects console to wall outlet. Included with all PS3 models. Model-specific (Fat uses IEC C7 "figure-8"; Slim/Super Slim use C13 "kettle lead").

AV Cable (Composite - Red/White/Yellow): Included with all PS3 models. Lower quality (480i), but works on any TV. Good for backup or older displays.
Component Cable (Red/Blue/Green + Red/White audio): Better than composite (1080i), worse than HDMI. Useful if HDMI port fails or TV lacks HDMI.
Ethernet Cable: Wired internet for online play, downloads, updates. More stable than Wi-Fi. Not included.
USB Cable (Mini-USB for Fat, Micro-USB for Slim/Super Slim): Charging controllers, connecting peripherals, external drives. Not included with console.
Optical Audio (TOSLINK): For surround sound receivers without HDMI audio passthrough. Port on Fat and early Slim only.

Model	Included	Video Out	Power Cord
PS3 Fat (20/60/80GB)	Composite AV, Power	HDMI, Composite, Component, SCART	Figure-8 (C7)
PS3 Slim (120/250GB)	Composite AV, Power	HDMI, Composite, Component	Kettle (C13)
PS3 Super Slim	Composite AV, Power	HDMI, Composite	Kettle (C13)

For online gaming: Use Ethernet—PS3 Wi-Fi is 802.11b/g only (slow, high latency).
HDMI carries both video and audio—no separate audio cables needed.
If buying used: Verify the seller includes the correct power cord for the model.

PS3 Games