The Ultra-Rare Canada Day Red PlayStation 3
The PS3 You’ll Never Own
In July 2007, Sony Computer Entertainment Canada held a contest featuring the “China Red” PlayStation 3 CECHA01 as a prize. Only three units were produced, making it one of the rarest PlayStation 3 consoles ever created.
The PlayStation 3 has seen a wide range of special editions over the years. These often include custom artwork or themed designs tied to specific franchises like Final Fantasy or Metal Gear Solid. While these editions are undeniably collectible, they are typically mass-produced and tied to marketing campaigns led by Sony or third-party developers or studios.
What sets the China Red PlayStation 3 apart is its origin. Unlike other mass-produced special editions or one-of-a-kind marketing editions, this console wasn’t just a promotional item from a video game studio or retailer. It was handcrafted by Sony itself, specifically by Sony Computer Entertainment Canada, as part of an official celebration for Canada Day. This unique connection to Sony’s direct involvement—and the ultra-limited production of only three units—places the Canada Day PS3 in a league of its own.
To bring this special edition to life, Sony Canada partnered with renowned industrial designer Adrian Van Anz, a creator and customizer celebrated in the early and mid 2000s, for his bespoke designs for A-list celebrities. Van Anz’s portfolio includes handcrafted computers and high-tech accessories owned by the likes of Brad Pitt, Jay-Z and Gwen Stefani.
Each of the three China Red PlayStation 3s underwent a meticulous customization process. The consoles were carefully disassembled, treated, and then painted in stunning layers of vibrant red. Van Anz’s craftsmanship ensured that the finish wasn’t just bold but flawless, elevating the console to the level of a luxury collectible.
Entering the contest to win one of these rare consoles was as simple as it was exciting. Canadian residents could visit the dedicated contest page at playstation.ca/canadaday/en/index.html, fill out a form, and cross their fingers.
Alongside the three China Red PS3s, Sony also gave away 500 limited-edition T-shirts as secondary prizes. The contest ran until July 15, 2007, giving fans across Canada a chance to snag a piece of gaming history.
The winners of the China Red PlayStation 3s were:
Vangelis from Vancouver, British Columbia
Daniel from Toronto, Ontario
Rachel from Thunder Bay, Ontario
Each winner walked away with a console that was not only a striking tribute to Canada Day but also a true collector’s item.
Despite the excitement surrounding the contest and the craftsmanship involved, the China Red PlayStation 3s seem to have vanished from public view. No verified images of the consoles have surfaced online, and their current whereabouts are unknown. Were they tucked away by the lucky winners, or could they have been lost, sold, or forgotten over time?
For collectors and PlayStation enthusiasts, the China Red PS3 has become a sort of gaming legend—a treasure that might someday resurface. If one of these consoles were to appear on the market, it would undoubtedly spark a frenzy, solidifying its place as one of the rarest gaming collectibles ever made.