diff --git a/src/video/x11/SDL_x11modes.c b/src/video/x11/SDL_x11modes.c
index 68d197ed5..8b6304917 100644
--- a/src/video/x11/SDL_x11modes.c
+++ b/src/video/x11/SDL_x11modes.c
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ get_visualinfo(Display * display, int screen, XVisualInfo * vinfo)
     const char *visual_id = SDL_getenv("SDL_VIDEO_X11_VISUALID");
     /* We really don't need DirectColor visuals until we implement
      * gamma ramps, but we'll leave it on for now to catch bugs */
-    int use_directcolor = 1;
+    int use_directcolor = 0;
     int depth;
 
     /* Look for an exact visual, if requested */