Minecraft Newbie - A Few Questions?

The only exclusive content it has is the Super Mario Mash-Up pack, which includes an entire Mario-themed world to explore.

With that said, the console editions are quite different from Java. The game includes tutorials and an improved crafting system, as well as other Mash Up/Skin Packs (some of which are included for free.)

Cross-play will be introduced in the new version of the game coming early next year, but I would recommend buying it now so you can carry on playing this version while the newer version is optimized, as they're two different pieces of software. You'll only be able to play with your friend if he's using the Windows 10 Edition, which he should be able to download for free if he already owns the Java Edition.

/r/NintendoSwitch Thread