diff --git a/src/console.h b/src/console.h
index 0dfb2960d..caeefbb19 100644
--- a/src/console.h
+++ b/src/console.h
@@ -28,9 +28,6 @@ extern boolean con_recalc;
 // console being displayed at game startup
 extern boolean con_startup;
 
-// needs explicit screen refresh until we are in the main game loop
-extern boolean con_refresh;
-
 // when modifying the below, you must also adjust d_main and console.c
 typedef enum
 {
diff --git a/src/d_main.c b/src/d_main.c
index 62a71bb5e..11305966e 100644
--- a/src/d_main.c
+++ b/src/d_main.c
@@ -706,7 +706,6 @@ void D_SRB2Loop(void)
 	oldentertics = I_GetTime();
 
 	// end of loading screen: CONS_Printf() will no more call FinishUpdate()
-	con_refresh = false;
 	con_startup = false;
 
 	// make sure to do a d_display to init mode _before_ load a level