diff --git a/platform/server/detect.py b/platform/server/detect.py
index c3cb76b3cbe..b09b3b8bbda 100644
--- a/platform/server/detect.py
+++ b/platform/server/detect.py
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@ 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 d187ce7b8b3..1f4d185f3c3 100644
--- a/platform/x11/detect.py
+++ b/platform/x11/detect.py
@@ -177,7 +177,7 @@ 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)