diff --git a/core/sdl/sdl_gamepad.h b/core/sdl/sdl_gamepad.h
index a6d84ae45..bf9dbb1bc 100644
--- a/core/sdl/sdl_gamepad.h
+++ b/core/sdl/sdl_gamepad.h
@@ -374,7 +374,7 @@ private:
 	SDL_Haptic *sdl_haptic;
 	float vib_inclination = 0;
 	double vib_stop_time = 0;
-	SDL_GameController *sdl_controller;
+	SDL_GameController *sdl_controller = nullptr;
 	u32 leftTrigger = ~0;
 	u32 rightTrigger = ~0;
 	static std::map<SDL_JoystickID, std::shared_ptr<SDLGamepad>> sdl_gamepads;