Sony has launched the PlayStation 5 (PS5) at an online event ahead of its release later this year.

In the pre-recorded event, the Japanese tech company revealed two versions of the console, a standard PS5 and the PS5 Digital Edition, which appears not to have a disc drive.

Sony also showed fans the PS5's new haptic controller, HD camera, pulse 3D wireless headset, media remote and dual charging station.

Image: The PS5, with this new hardware, will be released later this year. Pic: Sony

Image:Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales was one of nine new game reveals. Pic: Sony

It comes seven years after the launch of the PS4.

Some of the PS5 games had already been announced, including Assassin's Creed: Valhalla, Fortnite and Destiny 2.

Others include Spider-Man: Miles Morales and a new Ratchet & Clank title called Rift Apart, in which the duo travel through different dimensions.

The launch event also showed trailers for Gran Turismo 7, Oddworld Soulstorm, Hitman 3, Resident Evil Village, Horizon: Forbidden West, Sackboy: A Big Adventure and NBA 2K21.

Image:Horizon Forbidden West for PlayStation 5 is described as 'a gorgeous new adventure set in a distant land ravaged by massive storms'. Pic: Sony

Grand Theft Auto will also be coming to the PS5 with "enhanced and expanded" versions of Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online launching in the second half of next year.

The PS5 will be competing directly with Microsoft's new Xbox Series X console.

Jim Ryan, president and chief executive of Sony Interactive Entertainment, said: "With PlayStation 5, we are making a significant leap to deliver a truly new generation of transformative play experiences that will redefine expectations for what games can be.

"Worlds will be richer and more beautiful, they'll captivate your senses in ways you didn't think possible, and you'll be able to experience them much more seamlessly, with lightning fast loading.

Image:PlayStation 5 was launched in a pre-recorded online event. Pic: Sony

"Today's showcase is just a glimpse of what's to come in the next generation, and we want to thank our community for taking this journey to PS5's launch with us."

Sony says the PS5 will be released this winter but has not revealed any pricing details.