Tech riderRev. 1 Oct 2026
Hercules
- 1Runs onLinux, Mac, Windows
- 2CostsFree plan
- 3Supported targetsSystem/370, ESA/390, z/Architecture
- 4Host operating systemsLinux, Windows, Solaris, FreeBSD, Mac OS X
- 5Snapshots and restoreYes
- 6Debugging toolsYes
- 7Network simulationYes
- 8Automation accessYes
8 lines stated Written from the maker's own pages: hercules-390.eu
Overview
Hercules is ranked #10 of 37 in emulator software on Specifiction. It runs on Linux, macOS, Windows. There is a free plan.
Hercules plans and pricing
All plansCompared on emulator software
- Free plan
- Yeshercules-390.eu
- Supported targets
- System/370, ESA/390, z/Architecturehercules-390.eu
- Host operating systems
- Linux, Windows, Solaris, FreeBSD, Mac OS Xhercules-390.eu
- Snapshots and restore
- Yeshercules-390.eu
- Debugging tools
- Yeshercules-390.eu
- Network simulation
- Yeshercules-390.eu
- Automation access
- Yeshercules-390.eu
Facts
- Purpose
- Hercules is an open-source software implementation of the System/370, ESA/390 and 64-bit z/Architecture mainframe architectures.hercules-390.eu · 1 Oct 2026
- Execution
- It lets a PC execute programs designed to run on an IBM mainframe.hercules-390.eu · 1 Oct 2026
- I/O emulation
- Hercules emulates mainframe I/O devices using PC devices, including DASD files and local tn3270 sessions.hercules-390.eu · 1 Oct 2026
- Operating systems
- Hercules does not provide operating-system facilities, so users must supply an operating system or standalone program.hercules-390.eu · 1 Oct 2026
- Architecture support
- The emulator can run z/OS, z/VM, z/VSE, OS/390, VM/ESA, VSE/ESA and older related IBM operating systems when legally licensed.hercules-390.eu · 1 Oct 2026
- Key features
- Advanced features include dynamic reconfiguration, an integrated console, interpretive execution and z/Architecture support.hercules-390.eu · 1 Oct 2026
- Networking
- Hercules can connect guest TCP/IP networking to the host through a TUN/TAP interface and its hercifc program.hercules-390.eu · 1 Oct 2026
- Shared devices
- Shared device support allows multiple Hercules instances to share devices through client and server instances.hercules-390.eu · 1 Oct 2026
- Security
- The networking documentation warns that unrestricted access to hercifc can create a potential security exposure.hercules-390.eu · 1 Oct 2026
- License
- Hercules is OSI Certified Open Source Software licensed under the Q Public Licence.hercules-390.eu · 1 Oct 2026
- Production suitability
- The FAQ says Hercules has never claimed to be production-capable and was intended as a system programmer's toy.hercules-390.eu · 1 Oct 2026
- Support
- Paid technical support may be available through Open Source Mainframes, Inc., while free support is provided through Hercules discussion forums.hercules-390.eu · 1 Oct 2026
- Download formats
- The site offers source archives plus Windows 32-bit and 64-bit installer and binary packages.hercules-390.eu · 1 Oct 2026
- Unimplemented features
- Documented unsupported features include ESCON, FICON, PR/SM, coupling links and several z/Architecture facilities.hercules-390.eu · 1 Oct 2026
Best Hercules alternatives
See all 20 All accessCh 01 Genymotion Desktop Free planFree trialLinux from $4.08/mo7.7 All accessCh 02 Android Emulator Free planAndroidLinux Free to start7.6 All accessCh 03 Azahar Free planAndroidiOS Free to start7.5 All accessCh 04 VICE Free planAndroidLinux Free to start7.4 All accessCh 05 MAME Free planAndroidLinux Free to start7.3 All accessCh 06 PPSSPP Free planAndroidiOS Free to start7.3
Where it ranks on Specifiction
- Best Emulator Software in 2026#10 of 37
Is Hercules yours?
Claim it for free: prove the domain, then correct facts, plans and screenshots. An editor reviews every change.
Sources
- hercules-390.eu· checked 1 Oct 2026
- hercules-390.eu/hercfaq.html· checked 1 Oct 2026
- hercules-390.eu/herctcp.html· checked 1 Oct 2026
- hercules-390.eu/shared.html· checked 1 Oct 2026
- hercules-390.eu/hercsupp.html· checked 1 Oct 2026