These are two different types of can openers. I'm northern and I only recently discovered the side opener. I didn't know this was a regional thing. The southern (side opener) one is way better imo.
My old school bare bones (amazon.com) can opener will work on the side and the top.
Nice.
This is the side opener I bought not too long ago.
https://www.amazon.com/Good-Cook-Opener-Manual-Sharp/dp/B000AX13US
Fancy.