Why the frames?

[RCBH928]

hello
I just want to know why older games on XBL and I do not know what else
have a frame around them?
I think they should keep them as original as they were

[Jayson]

I think it's mostly an effort to fill the whole screen of a HDTV while keeping the aspect ratio of the original game. Also the framed borders resemble or duplicate the bezel on the arcade screen.

I always thought some were annoying as well when I had a 360.

[Niode]

I think most games enable you to turn them off.

It's mainly to preserve the aspect ratio of the old games (which were 4:3) for HDTV/Widescreen TVs (16:9) and it's better than just having a black border around it.

[Lanfear]

It always looks bad.

[Niode]

Don't play them then...

[AwesomeMonstar]

also good for vert shmups

[RCBH928]

cant you play them in 4:3 with black borders
it is kind of distracting