diff --git a/simulators/src/simulator.rs b/simulators/src/simulator.rs
index dfc7616d..2bf5ae22 100644
--- a/simulators/src/simulator.rs
+++ b/simulators/src/simulator.rs
@@ -2,7 +2,6 @@ use std::env;
 use std::error::Error;
 use std::str::FromStr;
 
-use log::error;
 use rog_anime::usb::{PROD_ID, VENDOR_ID};
 use rog_anime::{AnimeType, USB_PREFIX2};
 use sdl2::event::Event;
@@ -87,8 +86,12 @@ impl VirtAnimeMatrix {
                 ]
                 .to_vec(),
             })
-            .map_err(|err| error!("Could not create virtual device: {:?}", err))
-            .expect("Could not create virtual device"),
+            .unwrap_or_else(|err| {
+                panic!(
+                    "Could not create virtual device: {err:?}. \
+                    Try loading the uhid module and ensure you have the necessary permissions."
+                )
+            }),
         }
     }