diff --git a/platform/server/detect.py b/platform/server/detect.py
index 90a4092412..39f72db0ad 100644
--- a/platform/server/detect.py
+++ b/platform/server/detect.py
@@ -147,7 +147,7 @@ def configure(env):
         # We need at least version 2.88
         import subprocess
         bullet_version = subprocess.check_output(['pkg-config', 'bullet', '--modversion']).strip()
-        if bullet_version < "2.88":
+        if str(bullet_version) < "2.88":
             # Abort as system bullet was requested but too old
             print("Bullet: System version {0} does not match minimal requirements ({1}). Aborting.".format(bullet_version, "2.88"))
             sys.exit(255)
diff --git a/platform/x11/detect.py b/platform/x11/detect.py
index b5ad59e60a..163b9999a9 100644
--- a/platform/x11/detect.py
+++ b/platform/x11/detect.py
@@ -197,7 +197,7 @@ def configure(env):
         # We need at least version 2.88
         import subprocess
         bullet_version = subprocess.check_output(['pkg-config', 'bullet', '--modversion']).strip()
-        if bullet_version < "2.88":
+        if str(bullet_version) < "2.88":
             # Abort as system bullet was requested but too old
             print("Bullet: System version {0} does not match minimal requirements ({1}). Aborting.".format(bullet_version, "2.88"))
             sys.exit(255)