diff --git a/src/sim/system.cc b/src/sim/system.cc
index cbc30a9034..39b3414a0f 100644
--- a/src/sim/system.cc
+++ b/src/sim/system.cc
@@ -272,14 +272,6 @@ System::~System()
         delete workItemStats[j];
 }
 
-void
-System::init()
-{
-    // check that the system port is connected
-    if (!_systemPort.isConnected())
-        panic("System port on %s is not connected.\n", name());
-}
-
 void
 System::startup()
 {
diff --git a/src/sim/system.hh b/src/sim/system.hh
index fc93b85f7f..e5d4ec6256 100644
--- a/src/sim/system.hh
+++ b/src/sim/system.hh
@@ -221,11 +221,6 @@ class System : public SimObject, public PCEventScope
         const_iterator end() const { return const_iterator(*this, size()); }
     };
 
-    /**
-     * After all objects have been created and all ports are
-     * connected, check that the system port is connected.
-     */
-    void init() override;
     void startup() override;
 
     /**