diff --git a/include/SDL3/SDL_hints.h b/include/SDL3/SDL_hints.h
index 5b9f2f2fdb..20ff1abcc1 100644
--- a/include/SDL3/SDL_hints.h
+++ b/include/SDL3/SDL_hints.h
@@ -691,9 +691,8 @@ extern "C" {
  * The variable can be set to the following values:
  *
  * - "1": Enable fast parameter error checking, e.g. quick NULL checks, etc.
- *   (default)
  * - "2": Enable full parameter error checking, e.g. validating objects are
- *   the correct type, etc.
+ *   the correct type, etc. (default)
  *
  * This hint can be set anytime.
  *
diff --git a/src/SDL_utils.c b/src/SDL_utils.c
index b2df68aeaf..8d690e589e 100644
--- a/src/SDL_utils.c
+++ b/src/SDL_utils.c
@@ -141,12 +141,7 @@ bool SDL_object_validation = false;
 
 static void SDLCALL SDL_InvalidParamChecksChanged(void *userdata, const char *name, const char *oldValue, const char *hint)
 {
-    bool validation_enabled = false;
-
-#ifdef SDL_ASSERT_INVALID_PARAMS
-    // Full validation is enabled by default
-    validation_enabled = true;
-#endif
+    bool validation_enabled = true;
 
     if (hint) {
         switch (*hint) {