diff --git a/src/sdl/i_video.c b/src/sdl/i_video.c
index d63aa8ad1..376d865db 100644
--- a/src/sdl/i_video.c
+++ b/src/sdl/i_video.c
@@ -1645,7 +1645,7 @@ void I_StartupGraphics(void)
 #ifdef HWRENDER
 	if (M_CheckParm("-opengl"))
 		rendermode = render_opengl;
-	else if (M_CheckParm("software"))
+	else if (M_CheckParm("-software"))
 #endif
 		rendermode = render_soft;