In what sense? There isn't a better alternative to package a web app as native, or there isn't a better alternative to writing Electron apps? I think many would argue native dev is a better alternative.

A windows native app? Or an osx one? Linux? Playstation 5 maybe?

Yes, a native application for each major operating system, that respects the OS's UI guidelines, and runs efficiently.

That would take 20x more work just to do a few OSs if were even possible, which it isn't.

Somehow we did this for 30 years, but now that Electron exists, it's impossible?

Fine. Pick a platform to support.

When did we do it 30 years ago? With java?

There were many attempts and electron beats them all.

What I meant is that somehow companies released native applications for a multitude of operating systems in years past. Internet Explorer on Solaris, Windows, MacOS. Photoshop and AutoCAD on IRIX, Windows, MacOS. Netscape Navigator on anything with a screen and a keyboard. That's just the stuff I used off the top of my head.