imo, emulation is way more practical and cost-efficient. I spent years and years playing everything I wasn't able to play in childhood-days, and I'm really thankfull for all those sources for roms, etc. ...
But actually I turned out to be a "Purist" ... without making a fuss about it. I totally understand why many People use emulating programs for their retro-game-experiences ... but mine personally do include using the original systems, that's just the way I for myself can pull much more joy out of it. I love reading instruction booklets before clipping in cartridges, and I love the feel of old controls in my hands. Darn, even blowing into slots to make games work
get's me in somewhat sensual mood, hehe ...
I think everyone should choose for himself, what's the better fitting way of experiencing old games - I chose having my like 12 Systems or so, set up in one room, surrounded by shelves of cartridge-stacks - all ready to go, if I want a quick play. But that's not only for gaming, but living out my nostalgia connected to those old games. That's definitely nothing really "necessary" ... if it is just the games itself for you, then stick with the "good ol'" Emulators