MPC Element / What's the future?

Was the MPC Element discontinued? I actually like this mini-MPC unit, and was about to purchase one to compliment my MPK Mini Mk2. But within the past week, the MPC Element appears to no longer be available at Guitar Center, Sweetwater, or even B&H. And they don't say "out of stock" they actually say "discontinued" which is concerning.
Does anybody know the future of the MPC Element as well as the stripped-down MPC Essentials? Are they going away?

No indication that it's discontinued here in the UK, although Akai don't tend to make a big song and dance about discontinuing items, they just quietly fade away.

GabrielGornell wrote:Was the MPC Element discontinued? I actually like this mini-MPC unit, and was about to purchase one to compliment my MPK Mini Mk2. But within the past week, the MPC Element appears to no longer be available at Guitar Center, Sweetwater, or even B&H. And they don't say "out of stock" they actually say "discontinued" which is concerning.
Does anybody know the future of the MPC Element as well as the stripped-down MPC Essentials? Are they going away?

The Mpd2 with better pads includes mpc essentials, and is $50 cheaper also.

Essentials wasn't designed for long term. It was a money grab to compliment the repurposing of dead-stock hardware IMO. Doesn't surprise me it went away. It was never a good solution for those wanting to use a plugin within a DAW. Laughable product at best. But for beginners, supposed it was a good option.