diff --git a/meson_options.txt b/meson_options.txt
index 7c4a04d23c..7a45f84bdc 100644
--- a/meson_options.txt
+++ b/meson_options.txt
@@ -179,7 +179,7 @@ option('pvrdma', type : 'feature', value : 'auto',
        description: 'Enable PVRDMA support')
 option('gtk', type : 'feature', value : 'auto',
        description: 'GTK+ user interface')
-option('sdl', type : 'feature', value : 'auto',
+option('sdl', type : 'feature', value : 'enabled',
        description: 'SDL user interface')
 option('sdl_image', type : 'feature', value : 'auto',
        description: 'SDL Image support for icons')