diff --git a/Makefile b/Makefile
index 56404185..49b60620 100644
--- a/Makefile
+++ b/Makefile
@@ -42,8 +42,8 @@ TEXTURE_FIX ?= 0
 EXT_OPTIONS_MENU ?= 1
 # Disable text-based save-files by default
 TEXTSAVES ?= 0
-# Load textures from external PNG files
-EXTERNAL_TEXTURES ?= 0
+# Load resources from external files
+EXTERNAL_DATA ?= 0
 
 # Various workarounds for weird toolchains
 
@@ -60,8 +60,20 @@ NON_MATCHING := 1
 GRUCODE := f3dex2e
 WINDOWS_BUILD ?= 0
 
-ifeq ($(TARGET_WEB),0)
+# Attempt to detect OS
+
 ifeq ($(OS),Windows_NT)
+  HOST_OS ?= Windows
+else
+  HOST_OS ?= $(shell uname -s 2>/dev/null || echo Unknown)
+  # some weird MINGW/Cygwin env that doesn't define $OS
+  ifneq (,$(findstring MINGW,HOST_OS))
+    HOST_OS := Windows
+  endif
+endif
+
+ifeq ($(TARGET_WEB),0)
+ifeq ($(HOST_OS),Windows)
 WINDOWS_BUILD := 1
 endif
 endif
@@ -274,7 +286,7 @@ else
 ifeq ($(VERSION),sh)
   OPT_FLAGS := -O2
 else
-  OPT_FLAGS := -g
+  OPT_FLAGS := -O2
 endif
 endif
 
@@ -555,9 +567,9 @@ ifeq ($(LEGACY_GL),1)
 endif
 
 # Load external textures
-ifeq ($(EXTERNAL_TEXTURES),1)
-  CC_CHECK += -DEXTERNAL_TEXTURES
-  CFLAGS += -DEXTERNAL_TEXTURES
+ifeq ($(EXTERNAL_DATA),1)
+  CC_CHECK += -DEXTERNAL_DATA
+  CFLAGS += -DEXTERNAL_DATA
   # tell skyconv to write names instead of actual texture data and save the split tiles so we can use them later
   SKYCONV_ARGS := --store-names --write-tiles "$(BUILD_DIR)/textures/skybox_tiles"
 endif
@@ -617,17 +629,30 @@ ZEROTERM = $(PYTHON) $(TOOLS_DIR)/zeroterm.py
 
 all: $(EXE)
 
-ifeq ($(EXTERNAL_TEXTURES),1)
+ifeq ($(EXTERNAL_DATA),1)
+
+# thank you apple very cool
+ifeq ($(HOST_OS),Darwin)
+  CP := gcp
+else
+  CP := cp
+endif
+
 # depend on resources as well
 all: res
 
 # prepares the resource folder for external data
 res: $(EXE)
-	@mkdir -p $(BUILD_DIR)/res
-	@cp -r -f textures/ $(BUILD_DIR)/res/
-	@cp -r -f $(BUILD_DIR)/textures/skybox_tiles/ $(BUILD_DIR)/res/textures/
-	@find actors -name \*.png -exec cp --parents {} $(BUILD_DIR)/res/ \;
-	@find levels -name \*.png -exec cp --parents {} $(BUILD_DIR)/res/ \;
+	@mkdir -p $(BUILD_DIR)/res/sound
+	@$(CP) -r -f textures/ $(BUILD_DIR)/res/
+	@$(CP) -r -f $(BUILD_DIR)/textures/skybox_tiles/ $(BUILD_DIR)/res/textures/
+	@$(CP) -f $(SOUND_BIN_DIR)/sound_data.ctl $(BUILD_DIR)/res/sound/
+	@$(CP) -f $(SOUND_BIN_DIR)/sound_data.tbl $(BUILD_DIR)/res/sound/
+	@$(CP) -f $(SOUND_BIN_DIR)/sequences.bin $(BUILD_DIR)/res/sound/
+	@$(CP) -f $(SOUND_BIN_DIR)/bank_sets $(BUILD_DIR)/res/sound/
+	@find actors -name \*.png -exec $(CP) --parents {} $(BUILD_DIR)/res/ \;
+	@find levels -name \*.png -exec $(CP) --parents {} $(BUILD_DIR)/res/ \;
+
 endif
 
 clean:
@@ -724,7 +749,7 @@ endif
 ################################################################
 
 # RGBA32, RGBA16, IA16, IA8, IA4, IA1, I8, I4
-ifeq ($(EXTERNAL_TEXTURES),1)
+ifeq ($(EXTERNAL_DATA),1)
 $(BUILD_DIR)/%: %.png
 	$(ZEROTERM) "$(patsubst %.png,%,$^)" > $@
 else
@@ -736,7 +761,7 @@ $(BUILD_DIR)/%.inc.c: $(BUILD_DIR)/% %.png
 	hexdump -v -e '1/1 "0x%X,"' $< > $@
 	echo >> $@
 
-ifeq ($(EXTERNAL_TEXTURES),0)
+ifeq ($(EXTERNAL_DATA),0)
 # Color Index CI8
 $(BUILD_DIR)/%.ci8: %.ci8.png
 	$(N64GRAPHICS_CI) -i $@ -g $< -f ci8
@@ -787,6 +812,18 @@ $(SOUND_BIN_DIR)/%.m64: $(SOUND_BIN_DIR)/%.o
 $(SOUND_BIN_DIR)/%.o: $(SOUND_BIN_DIR)/%.s
 	$(AS) $(ASFLAGS) -o $@ $<
 
+ifeq ($(EXTERNAL_DATA),1)
+
+$(SOUND_BIN_DIR)/sound_data.ctl.c: $(SOUND_BIN_DIR)/sound_data.ctl
+	echo "unsigned char gSoundDataADSR[] = \"sound/sound_data.ctl\";" > $@
+$(SOUND_BIN_DIR)/sound_data.tbl.c: $(SOUND_BIN_DIR)/sound_data.tbl
+	echo "unsigned char gSoundDataRaw[] = \"sound/sound_data.tbl\";" > $@
+$(SOUND_BIN_DIR)/sequences.bin.c: $(SOUND_BIN_DIR)/sequences.bin
+	echo "unsigned char gMusicData[] = \"sound/sequences.bin\";" > $@
+$(SOUND_BIN_DIR)/bank_sets.c: $(SOUND_BIN_DIR)/bank_sets
+	echo "unsigned char gBankSetsData[] = \"sound/bank_sets\";" > $@
+
+else
 
 $(SOUND_BIN_DIR)/sound_data.ctl.c: $(SOUND_BIN_DIR)/sound_data.ctl
 	echo "unsigned char gSoundDataADSR[] = {" > $@
@@ -808,6 +845,8 @@ $(SOUND_BIN_DIR)/bank_sets.c: $(SOUND_BIN_DIR)/bank_sets
 	hexdump -v -e '1/1 "0x%X,"' $< >> $@
 	echo "};" >> $@
 
+endif
+
 $(BUILD_DIR)/levels/scripts.o: $(BUILD_DIR)/include/level_headers.h
 
 $(BUILD_DIR)/include/level_headers.h: levels/level_headers.h.in
diff --git a/SAVE_FORMAT.MD b/SAVE_FORMAT.MD
index c11d9194..5f44a011 100644
--- a/SAVE_FORMAT.MD
+++ b/SAVE_FORMAT.MD
@@ -34,14 +34,14 @@ This section contains two flags for menu.
 
 | Flag | Value | Description |
 |---|---|---|
-| coin_score_age | ?? | Each save file has a 2 bit "age"    for each course. The higher this value, the older the high score is. This is used for tie-breaking when displaying on the high score screen
-| sound_mode | ?? | Sound mode for the game: stereo, mono, or headset
+| coin_score_age | 0, 1, 2, 3 | Each save file has a 2 bit "age"    for each course. The higher this value, the older the high score is. This is used for tie-breaking when displaying on the high score screen
+| sound_mode | stereo, mono, headset | Sound mode for the game
 
 Example:
 ```
 [menu]
-coin_score_age = ??
-sound_mode = ??
+coin_score_age = 0
+sound_mode = stereo
 ```
 ___
 ## Flags Section - [flags]
@@ -145,14 +145,14 @@ ___
 This section contains information about where Mario lost his cap and who take it.
 | Flag | Value | Description |
 |---|---|---|
-| type | ground, klepto, ukiki, mrblizzard | The one who or what took the cap from Mario.
-| level | ?? | Specifies the course where the cap is located.
-| area | ?? | Specifies the area in the course.
+| type | ground, klepto, ukiki, mrblizzard | The one who or what took the cap from Mario. Default flag is **"ground"**
+| level | ssl, sl, ttm, none | Specifies the course where the cap is located. Default flag is **"none"**.
+| area | 1, 2 | Specifies the area in the course.
 
 Example:
 ```
 [cap]
-type = onground
-level = 5
-area = 0
+type = ground
+level = ssl
+area = 1
 ```
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/doxygen/logo.png b/doxygen/logo.png
index f01a8654..0980cc0c 100644
Binary files a/doxygen/logo.png and b/doxygen/logo.png differ
diff --git a/src/audio/load.c b/src/audio/load.c
index 146863c1..affc6081 100644
--- a/src/audio/load.c
+++ b/src/audio/load.c
@@ -6,6 +6,8 @@
 #include "data.h"
 #include "seqplayer.h"
 
+#include "../pc/platform.h"
+
 #define ALIGN16(val) (((val) + 0xF) & ~0xF)
 
 struct SharedDma {
@@ -868,6 +870,24 @@ void load_sequence_internal(u32 player, u32 seqId, s32 loadAsync) {
     seqPlayer->scriptState.pc = sequenceData;
 }
 
+#ifdef EXTERNAL_DATA
+# define LOAD_DATA(x) load_sound_res((const char *)x)
+# include <stdio.h>
+# include <stdlib.h>
+static inline void *load_sound_res(const char *path) {
+    void *data = sys_load_res(path);
+    if (!data) {
+        fprintf(stderr, "could not load sound data from '%s'\n", path);
+        abort();
+    }
+    // FIXME: figure out where it is safe to free this shit
+    //        can't free it immediately after in audio_init()
+    return data;
+}
+#else
+# define LOAD_DATA(x) x
+#endif
+
 void audio_init() {
 #ifdef VERSION_EU
     UNUSED s8 pad[16];
@@ -966,7 +986,7 @@ void audio_init() {
 
     // Load header for sequence data (assets/music_data.sbk.s)
     gSeqFileHeader = (ALSeqFile *) buf;
-    data = gMusicData;
+    data = LOAD_DATA(gMusicData);
     audio_dma_copy_immediate((uintptr_t) data, gSeqFileHeader, 0x10);
     gSequenceCount = gSeqFileHeader->seqCount;
 #ifdef VERSION_EU
@@ -981,7 +1001,7 @@ void audio_init() {
 
     // Load header for CTL (assets/sound_data.ctl.s, i.e. ADSR)
     gAlCtlHeader = (ALSeqFile *) buf;
-    data = gSoundDataADSR;
+    data = LOAD_DATA(gSoundDataADSR);
     audio_dma_copy_immediate((uintptr_t) data, gAlCtlHeader, 0x10);
     size = gAlCtlHeader->seqCount * sizeof(ALSeqData) + 4;
     size = ALIGN16(size);
@@ -996,14 +1016,16 @@ void audio_init() {
     size = gAlTbl->seqCount * sizeof(ALSeqData) + 4;
     size = ALIGN16(size);
     gAlTbl = soundAlloc(&gAudioInitPool, size);
-    audio_dma_copy_immediate((uintptr_t) gSoundDataRaw, gAlTbl, size);
-    alSeqFileNew(gAlTbl, gSoundDataRaw);
+
+    data = LOAD_DATA(gSoundDataRaw);
+    audio_dma_copy_immediate((uintptr_t) data, gAlTbl, size);
+    alSeqFileNew(gAlTbl, data);
 
     // Load bank sets for each sequence (assets/bank_sets.s)
+    data = LOAD_DATA(gBankSetsData);
     gAlBankSets = soundAlloc(&gAudioInitPool, 0x100);
-    audio_dma_copy_immediate((uintptr_t) gBankSetsData, gAlBankSets, 0x100);
+    audio_dma_copy_immediate((uintptr_t) data, gAlBankSets, 0x100);
 
     init_sequence_players();
     gAudioLoadLock = AUDIO_LOCK_NOT_LOADING;
 }
-
diff --git a/src/game/behaviors/fish.inc.c b/src/game/behaviors/fish.inc.c
index f652ef47..ed1d767e 100644
--- a/src/game/behaviors/fish.inc.c
+++ b/src/game/behaviors/fish.inc.c
@@ -62,11 +62,13 @@ void fish_act_spawn(void) {
  * Y coordinate is greater than 2000.0f then spawn another fish.
  */
 void fish_act_respawn(void) {
+#ifndef NODRAWINGDISTANCE
     if (gCurrLevelNum != LEVEL_SA) {
         if (gMarioObject->oPosY - o->oPosY > 2000.0f) {
             o->oAction = FISH_ACT_RESPAWN;
         }
     }
+#endif
 }
 
 /**
diff --git a/src/game/ingame_menu.c b/src/game/ingame_menu.c
index 9711ec7e..7c28c293 100644
--- a/src/game/ingame_menu.c
+++ b/src/game/ingame_menu.c
@@ -128,7 +128,7 @@ u8 gMenuHoldKeyIndex = 0;
 u8 gMenuHoldKeyTimer = 0;
 s32 gDialogResponse = 0;
 
-#if !defined(EXTERNAL_TEXTURES) && (defined(VERSION_JP) || defined(VERSION_SH) || defined(VERSION_EU))
+#if !defined(EXTERNAL_DATA) && (defined(VERSION_JP) || defined(VERSION_SH) || defined(VERSION_EU))
 #ifdef VERSION_EU
 #define CHCACHE_BUFLEN (8 * 8)  // EU only converts 8x8
 #else
@@ -242,7 +242,7 @@ static inline void alloc_ia8_text_from_i1(u8 *out, u16 *in, s16 width, s16 heigh
 }
 
 static inline u8 *convert_ia8_char(u8 c, u16 *tex, s16 w, s16 h) {
-#ifdef EXTERNAL_TEXTURES
+#ifdef EXTERNAL_DATA
     return (u8 *)tex; // the data's just a name
 #else
     if (!tex) return NULL;
@@ -303,7 +303,7 @@ static void alloc_ia4_tex_from_i1(u8 *out, u8 *in, s16 width, s16 height) {
 }
 
 static u8 *convert_ia4_char(u8 c, u8 *tex, s16 w, s16 h) {
-#ifdef EXTERNAL_TEXTURES
+#ifdef EXTERNAL_DATA
     return tex; // the data's just a name
 #else
     if (!tex) return NULL;
diff --git a/src/game/save_file.c b/src/game/save_file.c
index 1b460bb8..a8db910b 100644
--- a/src/game/save_file.c
+++ b/src/game/save_file.c
@@ -1,5 +1,4 @@
 #include <ultra64.h>
-#include <stdio.h>
 #include "sm64.h"
 #include "game_init.h"
 #include "main.h"
diff --git a/src/game/text_save.inc.h b/src/game/text_save.inc.h
index b84ab1b2..a5a8f54f 100644
--- a/src/game/text_save.inc.h
+++ b/src/game/text_save.inc.h
@@ -1,4 +1,8 @@
 #include <string.h>
+#include <stdio.h>
+#include <time.h>
+#include "course_table.h"
+#include "pc/ini.h"
 
 #define FILENAME_FORMAT "save_file_%d.sav"
 #define NUM_COURSES 15
@@ -6,7 +10,7 @@
 #define NUM_FLAGS 21
 #define NUM_CAP_ON 4
 
-/* Flag key */
+/* Flag keys */
 const char *sav_flags[NUM_FLAGS] = {
     "file_exists", "wing_cap", "metal_cap", "vanish_cap", "key_1", "key_2",
     "basement_door", "upstairs_door", "ddd_moved_back", "moat_drained",
@@ -31,6 +35,11 @@ const char *cap_on_types[NUM_CAP_ON] = {
     "ground", "klepto", "ukiki", "mrblizzard"
 };
 
+/* Sound modes */
+const char *sound_modes[3] = {
+    "stereo", "mono", "headset"
+};
+
 /* Get current timestamp */
 static void get_timestamp(char* buffer) {
     time_t timer;
@@ -75,7 +84,7 @@ static s32 write_text_save(s32 fileIndex) {
     struct MainMenuSaveData *menudata;
     char filename[32] = { 0 };
     char value[32] = { 0 };
-    u32 i, flags, coins, stars, starFlags;
+    u32 i, bit, flags, coins, stars, starFlags;
 
     /* Define savefile's name */
     if (sprintf(filename, FILENAME_FORMAT, fileIndex) < 0)
@@ -84,6 +93,8 @@ static s32 write_text_save(s32 fileIndex) {
     file = fopen(filename, "wt");
     if (file == NULL)
         return -1;
+    else
+        printf("Updating savefile in '%s'\n", filename);
 
     /* Write header */
     fprintf(file, "# Super Mario 64 save file\n");
@@ -98,8 +109,22 @@ static s32 write_text_save(s32 fileIndex) {
     menudata = &gSaveBuffer.menuData[0];
     fprintf(file, "\n[menu]\n");
     fprintf(file, "coin_score_age = %d\n", menudata->coinScoreAges[fileIndex]);
-    fprintf(file, "sound_mode = %u\n", menudata->soundMode);
-
+    
+    /* Sound mode */
+    if (menudata->soundMode == 0) {
+        fprintf(file, "sound_mode = %s\n", sound_modes[0]);     // stereo
+    }
+    else if (menudata->soundMode == 3) {
+        fprintf(file, "sound_mode = %s\n", sound_modes[1]);     // mono
+    }
+    else if (menudata->soundMode == 1) {
+        fprintf(file, "sound_mode = %s\n", sound_modes[2]);     // headset
+    }
+    else {
+        printf("Undefined sound mode!");
+        return -1;
+    }
+    
     /* Write all flags */
     fprintf(file, "\n[flags]\n");
     for (i = 1; i < NUM_FLAGS; i++) {
@@ -139,7 +164,8 @@ static s32 write_text_save(s32 fileIndex) {
     fprintf(file, "\n[cap]\n");
     for (i = 0; i < NUM_CAP_ON; i++) {
         flags = save_file_get_flags();      // Read all flags
-        flags = (flags & (1 << (i+16)));    // Get `cap` flags
+        bit = (1 << (i+16));                // Determine current flag
+        flags = (flags & bit);              // Get `cap` flag
         flags = (flags) ? 1 : 0;            // Determine if bit is set or not
         if (flags) {
             fprintf(file, "type = %s\n", cap_on_types[i]);
@@ -149,7 +175,20 @@ static s32 write_text_save(s32 fileIndex) {
 
     /* Write in what course and area Mario losted its cap, and cap's position */
     savedata = &gSaveBuffer.files[fileIndex][0];
-    fprintf(file, "level = %d\n", savedata->capLevel);
+    switch(savedata->capLevel) {
+        case COURSE_SSL:
+            fprintf(file, "level = %s\n", "ssl");
+            break;
+        case COURSE_SL:
+            fprintf(file, "level = %s\n", "sl");
+            break;
+        case COURSE_TTM:
+            fprintf(file, "level = %s\n", "ttm");
+            break;
+        default:
+            fprintf(file, "level = %s\n", "none");
+            break;
+    }
     fprintf(file, "area = %d\n", savedata->capArea);
 
     fclose(file);
@@ -166,8 +205,7 @@ static s32 read_text_save(s32 fileIndex) {
     ini_t *savedata;
     
     u32 i, flag, coins, stars, starFlags;
-    u32 capLevel, capArea;
-    Vec3s capPos;
+    u32 capArea;
     
     /* Define savefile's name */
     if (sprintf(filename, FILENAME_FORMAT, fileIndex) < 0)
@@ -178,15 +216,30 @@ static s32 read_text_save(s32 fileIndex) {
     if (savedata == NULL) {
         return -1;
     } else {
-        /* Good, file exists for gSaveBuffer */
-        gSaveBuffer.files[fileIndex][0].flags |= SAVE_FLAG_FILE_EXISTS;
+        printf("Loading savefile from '%s'\n", filename);
     }
 
     /* Read coin score age for selected file and sound mode */
     ini_sget(savedata, "menu", "coin_score_age", "%d",
                 &gSaveBuffer.menuData[0].coinScoreAges[fileIndex]);
-    ini_sget(savedata, "menu", "sound_mode", "%u",
-                &gSaveBuffer.menuData[0].soundMode);    // Can override 4 times! 
+    
+    value = ini_get(savedata, "menu", "sound_mode");
+    if (value) {
+        if (strcmp(value, sound_modes[0]) == 0) {
+            gSaveBuffer.menuData[0].soundMode = 0;  // stereo
+        }
+        else if (strcmp(value, sound_modes[1]) == 0) {
+            gSaveBuffer.menuData[0].soundMode = 3;  // mono
+        }
+        else if (strcmp(value, sound_modes[2]) == 0) {
+            gSaveBuffer.menuData[0].soundMode = 1;  // headset
+        }
+    }
+    else {
+        printf("Invalid 'menu:sound_mode' flag!\n");
+        return -1;
+    }
+    
     
     /* Parse main flags */
     for (i = 1; i < NUM_FLAGS; i++) {
@@ -245,14 +298,48 @@ static s32 read_text_save(s32 fileIndex) {
         }
     }
     
-    /* ... also it's position, area and level */
-    sscanf(ini_get(savedata, "cap", "level"), "%d", &capLevel);
-    sscanf(ini_get(savedata, "cap", "area"), "%d", &capArea);
+    /* ... it's level ... */
+    value = ini_get(savedata, "cap", "level");
+    if (value) {
+        if (strcmp(value, "ssl") == 0) {
+            gSaveBuffer.files[fileIndex][0].capLevel = 8; // ssl
+        }
+        else if (strcmp(value, "sl") == 0) {
+            gSaveBuffer.files[fileIndex][0].capLevel = 10; // sl
+        }
+        else if (strcmp(value, "ttm") == 0) {
+            gSaveBuffer.files[fileIndex][0].capLevel = 12; // ttm
+        }
+        else if (strcmp(value, "none") == 0) {
+            gSaveBuffer.files[fileIndex][0].capLevel = 0;
+        }
+        else {
+            printf("Invalid 'cap:level' flag!\n");
+            return -1;
+        }
+    }
     
-    gSaveBuffer.files[fileIndex][0].capLevel = capLevel; 
-    gSaveBuffer.files[fileIndex][0].capArea = capArea; 
+    /* ... and it's area */
+    value = ini_get(savedata, "cap", "area");
+    if (value) {
+        sscanf(value, "%d", &capArea);
+        if (capArea > 1 && capArea < 2) {
+            printf("Invalid 'cap:area' flag: %d!\n", capArea);
+            return -1;
+        }
+        else {
+            gSaveBuffer.files[fileIndex][0].capArea = capArea; 
+        }
+    }
+    
+    /* Good, file exists for gSaveBuffer */
+    gSaveBuffer.files[fileIndex][0].flags |= SAVE_FLAG_FILE_EXISTS;
 
+    /* Make a backup */
+    bcopy(&gSaveBuffer.files[fileIndex][0], &gSaveBuffer.files[fileIndex][1],
+          sizeof(gSaveBuffer.files[fileIndex][1]));
+    
     /* Cleaning up after ourselves */
     ini_free(savedata);
-    return 1;
+    return 0;
 }
diff --git a/src/pc/configfile.c b/src/pc/configfile.c
index 528ef1da..79deadb6 100644
--- a/src/pc/configfile.c
+++ b/src/pc/configfile.c
@@ -68,8 +68,8 @@ unsigned int configKeyStickLeft[MAX_BINDS]  = { 0x001E,   VK_INVALID, VK_INVALID
 unsigned int configKeyStickRight[MAX_BINDS] = { 0x0020,   VK_INVALID, VK_INVALID };
 unsigned int configStickDeadzone = 16; // 16*DEADZONE_STEP=4960 (the original default deadzone)
 unsigned int configRumbleStrength = 50;
-#ifdef EXTERNAL_TEXTURES
-bool configPrecacheRes = false;
+#ifdef EXTERNAL_DATA
+bool configPrecacheRes = true;
 #endif
 #ifdef BETTERCAMERA
 // BetterCamera settings
@@ -111,7 +111,7 @@ static const struct ConfigOption options[] = {
     {.name = "key_stickright",       .type = CONFIG_TYPE_BIND, .uintValue = configKeyStickRight},
     {.name = "stick_deadzone",       .type = CONFIG_TYPE_UINT, .uintValue = &configStickDeadzone},
     {.name = "rumble_strength",      .type = CONFIG_TYPE_UINT, .uintValue = &configRumbleStrength},
-    #ifdef EXTERNAL_TEXTURES
+    #ifdef EXTERNAL_DATA
     {.name = "precache",             .type = CONFIG_TYPE_BOOL, .boolValue = &configPrecacheRes},
     #endif
     #ifdef BETTERCAMERA
diff --git a/src/pc/configfile.h b/src/pc/configfile.h
index 6dce17fb..850d05b3 100644
--- a/src/pc/configfile.h
+++ b/src/pc/configfile.h
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ extern unsigned int configKeyStickLeft[];
 extern unsigned int configKeyStickRight[];
 extern unsigned int configStickDeadzone;
 extern unsigned int configRumbleStrength;
-#ifdef EXTERNAL_TEXTURES
+#ifdef EXTERNAL_DATA
 extern bool         configPrecacheRes;
 #endif
 #ifdef BETTERCAMERA
diff --git a/src/pc/controller/controller_api.h b/src/pc/controller/controller_api.h
index 74db6552..6e55c846 100644
--- a/src/pc/controller/controller_api.h
+++ b/src/pc/controller/controller_api.h
@@ -1,10 +1,18 @@
 #ifndef CONTROLLER_API
 #define CONTROLLER_API
 
-#define DEADZONE_STEP 310         // original deadzone is 4960
+#define DEADZONE_STEP 310  // original deadzone is 4960
 #define VK_INVALID 0xFFFF
 #define VK_SIZE 0x1000
 
+// fake buttons for binding the stick directions
+#define STICK_UP    0x80000
+#define STICK_DOWN  0x40000
+#define STICK_LEFT  0x10000
+#define STICK_RIGHT 0x20000
+#define STICK_XMASK 0x30000
+#define STICK_YMASK 0xc0000
+
 #include <ultra64.h>
 
 struct ControllerAPI {
diff --git a/src/pc/controller/controller_keyboard.c b/src/pc/controller/controller_keyboard.c
index 9fb4b635..b38352dd 100644
--- a/src/pc/controller/controller_keyboard.c
+++ b/src/pc/controller/controller_keyboard.c
@@ -61,10 +61,10 @@ static void keyboard_bindkeys(void) {
     bzero(keyboard_mapping, sizeof(keyboard_mapping));
     num_keybinds = 0;
 
-    keyboard_add_binds(0x80000,      configKeyStickUp);
-    keyboard_add_binds(0x10000,      configKeyStickLeft);
-    keyboard_add_binds(0x40000,      configKeyStickDown);
-    keyboard_add_binds(0x20000,      configKeyStickRight);
+    keyboard_add_binds(STICK_UP,     configKeyStickUp);
+    keyboard_add_binds(STICK_LEFT,   configKeyStickLeft);
+    keyboard_add_binds(STICK_DOWN,   configKeyStickDown);
+    keyboard_add_binds(STICK_RIGHT,  configKeyStickRight);
     keyboard_add_binds(A_BUTTON,     configKeyA);
     keyboard_add_binds(B_BUTTON,     configKeyB);
     keyboard_add_binds(Z_TRIG,       configKeyZ);
@@ -87,18 +87,16 @@ static void keyboard_init(void) {
 
 static void keyboard_read(OSContPad *pad) {
     pad->button |= keyboard_buttons_down;
-    if ((keyboard_buttons_down & 0x30000) == 0x10000) {
+    const u32 xstick = keyboard_buttons_down & STICK_XMASK;
+    const u32 ystick = keyboard_buttons_down & STICK_YMASK;
+    if (xstick == STICK_LEFT)
         pad->stick_x = -128;
-    }
-    if ((keyboard_buttons_down & 0x30000) == 0x20000) {
+    else if (xstick == STICK_RIGHT)
         pad->stick_x = 127;
-    }
-    if ((keyboard_buttons_down & 0xc0000) == 0x40000) {
+    if (ystick == STICK_DOWN)
         pad->stick_y = -128;
-    }
-    if ((keyboard_buttons_down & 0xc0000) == 0x80000) {
+    else if (ystick == STICK_UP)
         pad->stick_y = 127;
-    }
 }
 
 static u32 keyboard_rawkey(void) {
diff --git a/src/pc/controller/controller_sdl.c b/src/pc/controller/controller_sdl.c
index 15384a37..683eefbb 100644
--- a/src/pc/controller/controller_sdl.c
+++ b/src/pc/controller/controller_sdl.c
@@ -13,6 +13,7 @@
 #include "controller_api.h"
 #include "controller_sdl.h"
 #include "../configfile.h"
+#include "../platform.h"
 
 #include "game/level_update.h"
 
@@ -71,6 +72,10 @@ static void controller_sdl_bind(void) {
     controller_add_binds(A_BUTTON,     configKeyA);
     controller_add_binds(B_BUTTON,     configKeyB);
     controller_add_binds(Z_TRIG,       configKeyZ);
+    controller_add_binds(STICK_UP,     configKeyStickUp);
+    controller_add_binds(STICK_LEFT,   configKeyStickLeft);
+    controller_add_binds(STICK_DOWN,   configKeyStickDown);
+    controller_add_binds(STICK_RIGHT,  configKeyStickRight);
     controller_add_binds(U_CBUTTONS,   configKeyCUp);
     controller_add_binds(L_CBUTTONS,   configKeyCLeft);
     controller_add_binds(D_CBUTTONS,   configKeyCDown);
@@ -86,6 +91,17 @@ static void controller_sdl_init(void) {
         return;
     }
 
+    // try loading an external gamecontroller mapping file
+    char gcpath[SYS_MAX_PATH];
+    snprintf(gcpath, sizeof(gcpath), "%s/gamecontrollerdb.txt", sys_save_path());
+    int nummaps = SDL_GameControllerAddMappingsFromFile(gcpath);
+    if (nummaps < 0) {
+        snprintf(gcpath, sizeof(gcpath), "%s/gamecontrollerdb.txt", sys_data_path());
+        nummaps = SDL_GameControllerAddMappingsFromFile(gcpath);
+    }
+    if (nummaps >= 0)
+        printf("loaded %d controller mappings from '%s'\n", nummaps, gcpath);
+
 #ifdef BETTERCAMERA
     if (newcam_mouse == 1)
         SDL_SetRelativeMouseMode(SDL_TRUE);
@@ -117,7 +133,6 @@ static void controller_sdl_read(OSContPad *pad) {
     // remember buttons that changed from 0 to 1
     last_mouse = (mouse_buttons ^ mouse) & mouse;
     mouse_buttons = mouse;
-    
 #endif
 
     SDL_GameControllerUpdate();
@@ -148,9 +163,23 @@ static void controller_sdl_read(OSContPad *pad) {
         if (pressed) last_joybutton = i;
     }
 
+    u32 buttons_down = 0;
     for (u32 i = 0; i < num_joy_binds; ++i)
         if (joy_buttons[joy_binds[i][0]])
-            pad->button |= joy_binds[i][1];
+            buttons_down |= joy_binds[i][1];
+
+    pad->button |= buttons_down;
+
+    const u32 xstick = buttons_down & STICK_XMASK;
+    const u32 ystick = buttons_down & STICK_YMASK;
+    if (xstick == STICK_LEFT)
+        pad->stick_x = -128;
+    else if (xstick == STICK_RIGHT)
+        pad->stick_x = 127;
+    if (ystick == STICK_DOWN)
+        pad->stick_y = -128;
+    else if (ystick == STICK_UP)
+        pad->stick_y = 127;
 
     int16_t leftx = SDL_GameControllerGetAxis(sdl_cntrl, SDL_CONTROLLER_AXIS_LEFTX);
     int16_t lefty = SDL_GameControllerGetAxis(sdl_cntrl, SDL_CONTROLLER_AXIS_LEFTY);
@@ -225,7 +254,7 @@ static void controller_sdl_shutdown(void) {
 
 u32 controller_rumble_init(void) {
     if (SDL_HapticRumbleSupported(sdl_haptic) != SDL_TRUE) {
-        printf("Controller does not support haptics! %s\n", SDL_GetError());
+        // printf("Controller does not support haptics! %s\n", SDL_GetError());
         return 1;
     }
     if (SDL_HapticRumbleInit(sdl_haptic) != 0) {
@@ -235,6 +264,7 @@ u32 controller_rumble_init(void) {
     return 0;
 }
 
+
 s32 controller_rumble_play(f32 strength, u32 length) {
     if (SDL_HapticRumblePlay(sdl_haptic, strength, length) != 0) {
         printf("Unable to start rumble! %s\n", SDL_GetError());
diff --git a/src/pc/gfx/gfx_pc.c b/src/pc/gfx/gfx_pc.c
index 6bd2fca4..1e86ec5a 100644
--- a/src/pc/gfx/gfx_pc.c
+++ b/src/pc/gfx/gfx_pc.c
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
 #include <stdbool.h>
 #include <assert.h>
 
-#ifdef EXTERNAL_TEXTURES
+#ifdef EXTERNAL_DATA
 #define STB_IMAGE_IMPLEMENTATION
 #include <stb/stb_image.h>
 #endif
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@
 #define MAX_LIGHTS 2
 #define MAX_VERTICES 64
 
-#ifdef EXTERNAL_TEXTURES
+#ifdef EXTERNAL_DATA
 # define MAX_CACHED_TEXTURES 4096 // for preloading purposes
 # define HASH_SHIFT 0
 #else
@@ -173,7 +173,7 @@ static size_t buf_vbo_num_tris;
 static struct GfxWindowManagerAPI *gfx_wapi;
 static struct GfxRenderingAPI *gfx_rapi;
 
-#ifdef EXTERNAL_TEXTURES
+#ifdef EXTERNAL_DATA
 static inline size_t string_hash(const uint8_t *str) {
     size_t h = 0;
     for (const uint8_t *p = str; *p; p++)
@@ -275,9 +275,9 @@ static struct ColorCombiner *gfx_lookup_or_create_color_combiner(uint32_t cc_id)
 }
 
 static bool gfx_texture_cache_lookup(int tile, struct TextureHashmapNode **n, const uint8_t *orig_addr, uint32_t fmt, uint32_t siz) {
-    #ifdef EXTERNAL_TEXTURES // hash and compare the data (i.e. the texture name) itself
+    #ifdef EXTERNAL_DATA // hash and compare the data (i.e. the texture name) itself
     size_t hash = string_hash(orig_addr);
-    #define CMPADDR(x, y) (x && !sys_strcasecmp(x, y))
+    #define CMPADDR(x, y) (x && !sys_strcasecmp((const char *)x, (const char *)y))
     #else // hash and compare the address
     size_t hash = (uintptr_t)orig_addr;
     #define CMPADDR(x, y) x == y
@@ -318,7 +318,7 @@ static bool gfx_texture_cache_lookup(int tile, struct TextureHashmapNode **n, co
     #undef CMPADDR
 }
 
-#ifndef EXTERNAL_TEXTURES
+#ifndef EXTERNAL_DATA
 
 static void import_texture_rgba32(int tile) {
     uint32_t width = rdp.texture_tile.line_size_bytes / 2;
@@ -492,7 +492,7 @@ static void import_texture_ci8(int tile) {
     gfx_rapi->upload_texture(rgba32_buf, width, height);
 }
 
-#else // EXTERNAL_TEXTURES
+#else // EXTERNAL_DATA
 
 // this is taken straight from n64graphics
 static bool texname_to_texformat(const char *name, u8 *fmt, u8 *siz) {
@@ -595,7 +595,7 @@ static inline void load_texture(const char *name) {
     stbi_image_free(data); // don't need this anymore
 }
 
-#endif // EXTERNAL_TEXTURES
+#endif // EXTERNAL_DATA
 
 static void import_texture(int tile) {
     uint8_t fmt = rdp.texture_tile.fmt;
@@ -611,7 +611,7 @@ static void import_texture(int tile) {
         return;
     }
 
-#ifdef EXTERNAL_TEXTURES
+#ifdef EXTERNAL_DATA
     // the "texture data" is actually a C string with the path to our texture in it
     // load it from an external image in our data path
     load_texture((const char*)rdp.loaded_texture[tile].addr);
@@ -1761,7 +1761,7 @@ void gfx_init(struct GfxWindowManagerAPI *wapi, struct GfxRenderingAPI *rapi) {
     for (size_t i = 0; i < sizeof(precomp_shaders) / sizeof(uint32_t); i++) {
         gfx_lookup_or_create_shader_program(precomp_shaders[i]);
     }
-    #ifdef EXTERNAL_TEXTURES
+    #ifdef EXTERNAL_DATA
     // preload all textures if needed
     if (configPrecacheRes) {
         printf("Precaching textures from `%s`\n", sys_data_path());
diff --git a/src/pc/platform.c b/src/pc/platform.c
index 00cfa289..80c0eb74 100644
--- a/src/pc/platform.c
+++ b/src/pc/platform.c
@@ -86,6 +86,29 @@ bool sys_dir_walk(const char *base, walk_fn_t walk, const bool recur) {
     return ret;
 }
 
+void *sys_load_res(const char *name) {
+    char path[SYS_MAX_PATH] = { 0 };
+    snprintf(path, sizeof(path), "%s/%s", sys_data_path(), name);
+
+    FILE *f = fopen(path, "rb");
+    if (!f) return NULL;
+
+    fseek(f, 0, SEEK_END);
+    size_t size = ftell(f);
+    fseek(f, 0, SEEK_SET);
+
+    void *buf = malloc(size);
+    if (!buf) {
+        fclose(f);
+        return NULL;
+    }
+
+    fread(buf, 1, size, f);
+    fclose(f);
+
+    return buf;
+}
+
 bool sys_mkdir(const char *name) {
     #ifdef _WIN32
     return _mkdir(name) == 0;
diff --git a/src/pc/platform.h b/src/pc/platform.h
index 9b498470..30b33dcc 100644
--- a/src/pc/platform.h
+++ b/src/pc/platform.h
@@ -19,6 +19,7 @@ int sys_strcasecmp(const char *s1, const char *s2);
 bool sys_mkdir(const char *name); // creates with 0777 by default
 bool sys_file_exists(const char *name);
 bool sys_dir_exists(const char *name);
+void *sys_load_res(const char *name);
 
 // receives the full path
 // should return `true` if traversal should continue