So we are in 2020 using FPGA devices and we don't have to be limited by the limitations of the real hardware anymore.
CPS1 has pause, the real hardware doesn't.
We can pause SMS on the controller, we can't with the real hardware.
We can use save states in some cores, we can't in the real hardware.
We can even fast forward in the GBA core, we can't in the real hardware.
The list goes on...
People who want real feelings can always not use the added facilities.
By the way, I can pause in real hardware, I installed the 2600RGB kit in my Atari 2600 and I've added a pause button. There were even Atari 2600 clones back on the '80s which included a pause button out-of-the-box.