diff --git a/src/sdlscreen.c b/src/sdlscreen.c
index 92ac7e12..7ded3758 100644
--- a/src/sdlscreen.c
+++ b/src/sdlscreen.c
@@ -96,11 +96,19 @@ void Set_mode_SDL(int *width, int *height, int fullscreen)
   // Trick borrowed to Barrage (http://www.mail-archive.com/debian-bugs-dist@lists.debian.org/msg737265.html) :
   // Showing the cursor but setting it to fully transparent allows us to get absolute mouse coordinates,
   // this means we can use tablet in fullscreen mode.
-  SDL_ShowCursor(1); // Hide the SDL mouse cursor, we use our own
 
   SDL_FreeCursor(cur);
   cur = SDL_CreateCursor(&cursorData, &cursorData, 1,1,0,0);
-  SDL_SetCursor(cur);
+  if (cur != NULL)
+  {
+    SDL_SetCursor(cur);
+    SDL_ShowCursor(SDL_ENABLE); // show the SDL 1 pixel transparent cursor
+  }
+  else
+  {
+    // failed to create the 1 pixel transparent cursor
+    SDL_ShowCursor(SDL_DISABLE); // Hide the SDL mouse cursor, we use our own internal one
+  }
 }
 
 #if (UPDATE_METHOD == UPDATE_METHOD_CUMULATED)